Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — September 28, 2023 • Best of the Bay 2023

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PUBLISHER James Howard

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ray Roa

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THEATER CRITIC Jon Palmer Claridge

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IN-HOUSE WITCH Caroline DeBruhl

CONTRIBUTORS Josh Bradley, Dave Decker, Jourdan Ducat, Thomas Hallock, Michael Murillo, Kate Oberdorfer, Jennifer Ring, Eric Snider, Arielle Stevenson, Resie Waechter, David Warner

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Strike up the banned

Tampa Bay's best things to do from September 28 - October 04

Launched in 1982, Banned Books Week is a week-long effort across the country to celebrate the importance of accessible information and “the freedom to seek and to express ideas,” according to its website. Tampa Heights mainstay Shuffle brings this national campaign right here to Tampa Bay, with a week-long book drive for the NAACP Freedom Library, a variety of programs and conversations about the harms of censorship, select readings from the American Library Association’s “most challenged” book list, drag queen story time, educational talks, and food and drink specials. “Join us and be part of a celebration of freedom of expression and the power of literature; discover banned books that have challenged norms and stirred controversy throughout history,” Shuffle writes. “We are also hosting a meaningful fundraiser for the international organization PEN during this event that will support local literacy initiatives and organizations advocating for free speech.” Banned Books Week at Shuffle. Sunday-Saturday, Oct. 1-7. Various times. Free. Shuffle, 2612 N Tampa St., Tampa. shuffletampa. com—Kyla Fields

Yes, queens

Each year, The Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival “showcases a selection of compelling films and videos by, for, or about the LGBTQ+ community that entertains, enlightens and empowers.” This year’s rendition features a range of queer-focused programming—from tender, crowd pleasers like “The Mattachine Family” and drag-forward works like horror flick “Big Easy Queens” (pictured) to intersectional documentaries like “Black Barbie,” collections of short films and the music and romance-filled “Glitter and Doom.”

“Whether we want to admit it or not, our hard-earned equalities are under attack. During these times of fear mongering and hate, TIGLFF is more important than ever,” festival organizers write. “And we have some exciting things in store for you at TIGLFF Tampa—including guest appearances, exclusive screenings and special events.” The Tampa Theatre hosts all opening day screenings; all other screenings will take place at AMC Westshore. The St. Pete edition of TIGLFF happens early next year, from Jan. 24-28. Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 5-8. Various times. $15-$125. AMC West Shore, 210 Westshore Plaza, Tampa. tiglff.com—Kyla Fields

Catch the airwave

WMNF’s programming hit Tampa Bay’s airwaves in September of 1979 because of donations from the community and a small group of volunteers that went door to door asking for them. The world has changed in a lot of ways since then, but the little listener-funded, community radio station that could is still going strong with a variety of local programming by dedicated staff and volunteers alike. To celebrate its 44th birthday, New Orleans-based act The Iguana’s brings its lively fusion music to the Floridian Social stage on Friday night, masterfully blending genres like conjunto, blues and Americana from across the U.S. and Mexico. Local folk rocker Divine AF, fresh off its 2023 release “Beautifully Broken,” opens the gig. And since it’s a birthday party, of course there will be cake. WMNF’s 44th birthday gig is also a 21 & up event. WMNF’s 44th Birthday Bash. Friday, Sept. 29. 7 p.m.-11 p.m. $30-$40. The Floridian Social, 687 Central Ave. N, St. Petersburg. wmnf.org—Kyla Fields

Vibe again

In the absence of Summer Jam, Vibes of the Bay has emerged as the preeminent local music festival for discovering your new favorite band. The party returns after a three-year hiatus, featuring Creative Loafing favorites Sam E Hues, Perception, Vern Sr., and Nico Sweet alongside Rolling Loud alum Barely Legal Collective, emerging producer, songwriter, rapper and music educator Johnny Champagne, hearthitting emo favorite Pet Lizard, rock and roll star Shevonne, plus bright young songwriters Sundé and Biishop the Artist, along with spoken work favorite Dennis Amadeus. T. Couture (pictured), a producer and DJ is also on the bill. “Tampa Bay’s music scene has evolved and grown tremendously since our last festival,” Symphonic’s Distribution Vice President of Corporate Marketing, Janette Berrio tells CL. “We wanted to make sure our return was memorable and painted a picture of the incredible talent that has flourished during our hiatus.” Vibes of the Bay. Saturday, Sept. 30. 4 p.m. Free with RSVP, $10 at the door. Crowbar, 1812 N 17th St.,Ybor City. vibesofthebay2023.splashthat.com—Ray

Roa

Liquid swords

For the second year in a row, a group of St. Pete artists organized an event that showcases friendly competition, teamwork and unique styles. Five teams of artists—consisting of Tampa Bay heavy hitters like ZuluPainter (pictured), Derek Donnelly and Eddie Rivera—will go head-to-head, brushto-brush on 8-foot x 8-foot canvases to see which group produces the most crowd-pleasing piece, since the audience decides who will bring home the dub. Besides the fast-paced and interactive art battle, attendees can enjoy a spread of local art vendors, food trucks, DJs, live music and interactive games. This event happens at the underpass on the corner of 8th Street S and Central Avenue in St. Pete, in the space where the Indie Flea market used to take place. St. Pete Art Battle & Vendor Market. Saturday, Sept. 30. Noon-6 p.m. 18th St. S & Central Ave., St. Petersburg.—Kyla Fields

Feeling green

One of St. Pete’s most popular breweries is celebrating a decade in The ‘Burg, and it’s hosting an art show, releasing exclusive beers and dropping special merch to commemorate it. Festivities kicked off Wednesday with a reunion filled with old friends and former staff, Thursday’s party continues with tunes from DJ Beacon and “A Sunshine City” art exhibition curated by beloved St. Pete artist Chad Mize, and a Friday karaoke night. The official anniversary party happens this Saturday with a waterslide, pools and other entertainment during the day and a feature presentation of Green Bench’s history and a toast from the owners at night—in addition to specials like $10 select Webb’s bottles and $5 core beers and seasonals all day-long. Green Bench Brewing Co. Anniversary Weekend. Wednesday-Saturday, Sept. 27- 30. Various times. Free. Green Bench Brewing Co., 1133 Baum Ave. N, St. Petersburg. greenbenchbrewing.com—Kyla Fields

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POLITICS ISSUES OPINION

Field guide

A skeptic’s look at the Rays stadium deal.

By Thomas Hallock

So. Your Tampa Bay Rays and the City of St. Petersburg finally reached a stadium deal.

The Rays will stay in St. Pete, building in the former African-American neighborhood that the city bulldozed 40 years ago. (If you do not know the backstory, you should.) You’ve seen the pretty pictures. The new stadium will cost $1.3 billion dollars. As Rays owner ownership and area leaders pop the champagne, the rest of us should be asking hard questions. For instance:

Should municipalities even fund stadiums?

In a word, no. Sports economists argue damningly against sports subsidies. The Brookings Institute states, a “new sports facility has an extremely small (perhaps even negative) effect on overall economic activity.” Economic Journal Watch: “no tangible economic benefits are generated by these heavily subsidized professional sports facilities.” Local pollsters cry, “jobs.” By my own direct observation, however, current Trop employees do not earn enough to support themselves. The work offers little opportunity for advancement. And the hours are erratic, making it impossible to fit the gig with other jobs.

Does the stadium provide a “public benefit”?

Dubious. If you like baseball and can afford a night at the park, you will enjoy the new yard. A stadium, however, is not what the city most needs. The clearest statement of St. Petersburg’s current problems comes from FAST (Faith & Action Strong Together), an interdenominational group dedicated to progressive reform. The priorities of FAST: affordable housing, racial justice, water quality and flooding, education, mental health, drugs and crime, healthcare, jobs, transportation. These concerns are not solved by a baseball stadium.

Will redevelopment heal old wounds from the Gas Plant neighborhood?

Maybe. The Rays are a business, and to their credit, the principals have reached out to folks who lost their homes with the construction of Tropicana Field and Interstate-275. The team donated $10K for a lynching memorial adjacent to the current Trop site (a boon to the organizing group, Pinellas Remembers, but a pittance to them). Current Mayor Ken Welch, who brokered the stadium deal, grew up in the Gas Plant, and the Rays have enlisted Gwendolyn Reese, a local historian who does not suffer fools gladly. But the Rays’ insistence on using the Hines development company raises

local clergy and USF policy expert Elizabeth Strom) underscores doubts about affordable housing. The Rays’ proposal to fund housing offsite (and the partnership with Hines) suggest a Cobb County clone. Watch for a bait-and-switch, nods to Gas Plant history with little meaningful progress or change.

Can I trust the media for unbiased reporting?

COLUMN

Again, no. Nationwide, newspapers and television endorse bad stadium deals. Why? Sports provides content, as the Columbia Journalism Review explains, so reporters usually bite “on economic impact studies that overestimate spinoff benefits.” Because newspapers want to cover big league cities, the mainstream press lubricates bad decisions. Scholars map a clear link between newspaper framing and stadium subsidization. St. Pete follows the path of Buffalo, Cleveland, and other mid-market cities. Back in the ‘80s, the St. Petersburg Times led

Baseball Uber Alles. Do not trust sports columnists who write about stadium deals.

So the Rays will get their billion-dollar playpen. Like gravity, money follows power. We may like the pretty pictures but the actual building comes at our expense. Cast a rude eye at the claims coming from those who will benefit most. This story has not yet run its course. Stay skeptical, St. Petersburg.

Thomas Hallock teaches English and Florida Studies at the St. Petersburg campus of USF. With Amanda Hagood, he writes #Creekshed columns about the urban environment for Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. See citations for the piece below (or better yet, read it via cltampa.com)

1 Gwendolyn Reese, “I AM: The Story of the Gas Plant Neighborhood,” The Weekly Challenger (May 13, 2021). theweeklychallenger.com

2. Andrew Zimbalist and Roger G. Noll. Sports, Jobs, and Taxes: The Economic Impact of Sports Teams and Stadiums (1997). brookings.edu

3. Dennis Coates and Brad R. Humphreys. “Do Economists Reach a Conclusion on Subsidies for Sports Franchises, Stadiums, and Mega-Events?” Econ Journal Watch (2008). econjwatch.org

4. Faith & Action Strong Together (FAST). http://fastpinellas.org/issue-work

5. Pinellas Remembers. https://pinellasremembers.org/

6. Brian Burnsed. “Two Playoff Teams, Two New Stadiums and One Great Divide,” Sports Illustrated (Oct. 4, 2019). si.com

7. Emerald Morrow. “Why Proposed Housing at New Tropicana Field Site Might Be Unaffordable for Average Renters.” 10 Tampa Bay (2023). https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=BuEer-YGi7M

a red flag. Hines built The Battery, the new Atlanta Braves facility in suburban Cobb County that Sports Illustrated describes as a monument to white flight. A hard-hitting report from Emerald Morrow for WTSP (with interviews of

the charge to raze the Gas Plant; it took other media outlets (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, The Weekly Challenger, even the conservative Tampa Tribune) to report on damage done by the dome. The Times has rarely veered from the stance of

8. David Uberti. “Why Local Media Struggle Covering Sports Stadium Construction.” Columbia Journalism Review (Aug. 25, 2014). archives.cjr.org

9. Ernest Buist and Daniel Mason. “Newspaper Framing and Stadium Subsidization.” American Behavioral Scientist (2010). journals.sagepub.com

“Do not trust sports columnists who write about stadium deals.”

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RESTAURANTS RECIPES DINING GUIDES

You salty?

Salt Shack on the Bay listed among New York Times’ 50 best restaurants, plus more foodie news.

By Kyla Fields

Beachy, waterfront restaurants are a dime a dozen in Tampa Bay, but one concept in particular recently received an accolade that sets it apart from the rest. Tampa’s Salt Shack on the Bay—located right below the Gandy bridge at 5415 W Tyson Ave. in Rattlesnake Point—is the only local restaurant to make the New York Times’ nationwide “best restaurants” list, which it releases annually.

“For the third annual New York Times Restaurant List, we sent a dozen reporters, editors and critics to hundreds of places across the United States — from Rattlesnake Point in Florida to the Arts District in Los Angeles — to find our favorites,” the newspaper writes in its introduction. “It wasn’t easy to narrow it down, but here are the 50 restaurants that excite us most right now.”

Self-described as a “rustic-refined beach getaway” The New York Times writers were captivated by Salt Shack on the Bay’s “sprawling menu with a Caribbean bent,” sunset views of Old Tampa Bay and its completely-outdoor ambience. “Jimmy Buffet [sic] would have liked this place, where there is no problem a platter of fresh Gulf shrimp and a drink with a pineapple slice couldn’t solve,” the Times added. “But the real gold is anything that lets all that great Gulf seafood shine.”

Salt Shack on the Bay celebrated its grand opening in the summer of 2019. Accessible by both car and boat, locals and tourists alike appreciate the waterfront restaurant’s spread of beer, wine and fruity cocktails alongside its menu of classic seafood fare.

The only other Florida-based concepts to make the cut are both located in Miami: Peruvian restaurant Maty’s (which is ran by a James Beard-nominated chef) and barbecue eatery Smoke & Dough.

New Japanese-style pub Tori Bar opening in former Fly Bar location in downtown Tampa

Last March, popular Tampa cocktail staple Fly Bar closed its doors, but a new concept is about to debut in its former downtown location. Last week, the owners of Izakaya Tori took to social media to announce that a new Japanese-style pub called Tori Bar (one of three Tampa Bay spots on Yelp’s “100 Best Places To Eat in 2023”

list) will inhabit the Fly Bar space, located at 442 W Kennedy Blvd. Billed as a “late-night” Japanese tapas spot, Tori Bar will focus on Japanese whisky, high balls, craft cocktails, grill skewers, sashimi and hand rolls, according to the post. As of now there’s no exact opening date for Tori Bar, but in the meantime, guests can head over to Izakaya Tori, located at 310 S Dale Mabry Hwy no. 160, for a sushi and Japanese tapas fix.—Colin Wolf

King of the Coop closes SoHo and St. Pete locations, strives to ‘get back to our roots’ King of the Coop owner Joe Dodd took to social media last week to address various changes

happening with his local hot chicken brand. In addition to the closures of King of the Coop’s St. Pete and South Tampa outposts, its location inside of Seminole Heights’ Flocale will soon be rebranded into The Coop’s Den, a late-night concept with a full-service bar.

“It is with a very sad and heavy heart that we share that we have made the difficult decision to close our doors in St. Pete and SoHo,” King of the Coop wrote on Instagram. “We do this in hopes of continuing to try and reach our right customers. As well as getting back to the basics and working on our quality and consistency to give you the best possible product we can produce.”

In the Instagram video, Dodd mentions the halt of franchise-related expansion, although its Westchase location is wrapping up its buildout and will soon be its third restaurant in Tampa Bay. He also teases the return of King of the Coop’s Sunday family-style dinners, which were quite popular a few years ago. The Coop’s Den

inside of Flocale will debut on Sunday, Oct. 1, complete with food and drink specials. King of the Coop’s new late-night spot is joined by Westshore Pizza, burger concept Slide, Matt’s Fat Cookies, Oh Yeah Creamery and its new axe throwing room.

“We’re getting back to what made us King of the Coop—getting back to our roots. We’re going to get back to the quality and consistency that people loved,” Dodd says. “These changes will give me time to refocus on what really matters to me and the business. Even through all the ups and downs I appreciate everyone for supporting us and giving us feedback, even if it’s negative, because we can’t grow any other way.”

The restaurant’s location inside of Seminole Heights’ Flocale aka “The Coop’s Den” remains open at 5910 N Florida Ave. alongside its Wesley Chapel location at 27835 Wesley Chapel Blvd. For the latest news on King of the Coop and its upcoming Westchase location, head to its Instagram at @kingofthecooptampa.

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CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE: Salt Shack on the Bay is known for its waterfront views and classic American fare.

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MOVIES THEATER ART CULTURE

The Guildenstern age

‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’ brings laughs to Jobsite.

By Jon Palmer Claridge

Sir Tom Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” is an absurdist comic take on Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” that challenges audiences with dizzying linguistic pyrotechnics. But even before we enter into the intellectual tennis game between playwright and audience, the comic tone is set by the sounds of “Another One Bites the Dust” coursing through the house speakers and blanketing the audience with an aural hint of what’s to come.

In Laurence Olivier’s award-winning “Hamlet” film (1948)—which is free on Amazon Prime in case you wish to refresh yourself before you go—he explicitly states that the story is about a man who “couldn’t make up his mind.” Mr. Stoppard’s mind, however, is like a trompe l’oeil painting where nothing is what it appears to be. The title characters are somewhat reminiscent of “Waiting for Godot,” always expecting something to happen. They gamble while they wait, flipping coins that absurdly always come up heads. Then there’s verbal ping pong that will keep you on your toes trying to follow, as well as random observations like your “fingernails grow after death, but your toenails don’t.”

The scenery and costumes are largely transplanted from last season’s Hamlet. Brian Smallheer’s Elsinore is a castle with cartoon battlements and spring-loaded six-panel double doors up center used to comic effect. Katrina Stevenson (Ophelia) does her usual double duty with costumes that make terrific use of handsome embroidery as a motif. Claudius, for instance, has tiny branches and leaves on his shoulder that recall an epaulet. The title characters jump out dramatically in shades of red and black. Jo Averill-Snell provides thoughtful lighting, with evocative texture, a colorful pirate raid, and a dramatic isolation for the finale.

Jobsite often embraces non-traditional casting, feeling free to place actors in roles in which they historically would not have been cast. Here, they swap the traditional gender for Hamlet’s college buddies, although the women are costumed in ahistorical pants instead of gowns from an indeterminate period. It’s really totally seamless. Katherine Yacko’s (Rosencrantz) ensemble is a military marching band plus cutaway hi-lo gown hybrid. Nicole Jeannine Smith (Guildenstern) sports a double-breasted

red jacket under a handsome black cape with stunning floral embroidery.

Director David M. Jenkins has chosen to stage much of the show as a vaudeville, with lots of broad physical humor which the accomplished cast carries off with aplomb. The packed audience eats up the schtick. For me, though, it’s not necessary to gin up and italicize the wordplay. Ms. Yacko has lots of “SNL”-type physical comedy, strutting (and picking her teeth) which is skillfully executed, and Ms. Smith, one of the region’s premiere actors who is capable of making almost any dialogue real, just seems to be working hard

for the show to soar. Still, I seem to be the only audience member who notices.

Using the same actors who lead “Hamlet” in what are minor roles in R&G, pays special dividends in the tragedians’ ensemble. It’s a regional all-star supporting cast: Giles Davies (Hamlet), Ned Averill-Snell (Claudius), Hugh Timoney (Polonius) in various neutral caps and hoods with their faces masked, you easily see the skilled quintet individualizing the players. Roxanne Fay (Gertrude) is especially notable as the young Alfred, providing subtle and uproarious mute comedy. And director Jenkins has particular fun manipulating his silent, masked players. In addition Davies, who famously sports

THEATER

‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern

Are Dead’ at Jobsite Theater

Select nights through Oct. 8, Dynamic pricing Jobsite Theater inside Shimberg Playhouse at David A. Staz Center for the Performing Arts. 1010 N Macinnes Pl., Tampa jobsitetheater.org

Stoppard is “much possessed by death,” The tragedians pull off a splendid coup with the mimic stabbing of players whose main job it is to fake extinction to order. “Death is what the actors do best. They kill beautifully. The audience knows what to expect, and that’s all they are prepared to believe in.” The play scene gets amusingly out of hand as the actors become hilariously sexually overenthusiastic and suggest that the traveling troupe may provide sexual favors on request. But “blood is compulsory; it’s what we do. We are actors; we are the opposite of people.”

One of my favorite Stoppard lines reminds us that another Shakespearean aphorism, “All

with the “Who’s on First?”-style verbal silliness.

It’s not a wrong-headed choice in theory, given that the dialogue is intensely packed with philosophical word play on the nature of free will alongside multi-faceted meditations on death.

“Eternity is a terrible thought, I mean where is it going to end.” But Stoppard is so facile that the comedy is built in, so that the carefully crafted business isn’t really necessary

long brown locks, appears with comically askew pigtails in his early scenes as Hamlet.

The one cast member who is not a holdover from last season is Jack Holloway as the braggadocio Lead Player reminiscent of a full-bearded Robin Hood in a green cape with tan leather straps on the left shoulder. He captures just the right tone and has one hilarious bit when his eyes go wild flitting to-and-fro.

the world’s a stage,” is indeed true. Just as R&G wait in the wings to appear as minor roles in “Hamlet,” we live our lives on the inexorable slide toward death as characters in stories of the unscripted plays of our family, friends, and co-workers. As the Lead Player perceptively notes, it’s not just for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, but for us all that an “exit is an entrance somewhere else.”

“...an absurdist comic take on Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ that challenges audiences…”

JAMES

ZAMBON PHOTOGRAPHY

HAMLET IT UP: Katherine Yacko (L) and Nicole Jeannine Smith in ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.’

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REVIEWS PROFILES MUSIC WEEK

Queen of Siam

Punk icon Lydia Lunch brings Retrovirus to Sulphur Springs biker bar

By Arielle Stevenson

Hurling used tampons, shrieking into the mic about fucking and fighting, her red-nail-polished-middle finger perpetually aimed at commercialism—that’s punk rock legend Lydia Lunch. A hot red pout beneath her signature black bob haircut, her fishnets no doubt ripped, her voice vacillating from breathless to howling; she’s part art revolutionary, part provocateur sex symbol.

Lunch’s roster of co-conspirators includes Brian Eno, Sonic Youth, Suicide, Henry Rollins, Nick Zedd, and X’s Exene Cervenka…just to name a few. The filmmaker, writer, composer, performer, poet, and actress does it all with a distinct fuck-you style.

From her early no-wave days in Teenage Jesus and the Jerks to her current touring musical project, Retrovirus, her independent ethic remains uncompromising. She’s hosted her weekly podcast, “The Lydian Spin,” since 2019 with co-host and Retrovirus guitarist, Tim Dahl.

Lunch brings Retrovirus to Tampa’s Born Free Pub on Friday, Sept. 29, with locals Purr Purr Purr and Tiger 54 opening. Creative Loafing Tampa Bay spoke with Lunch recently about her podcast, living as a nomad, and how she turns trauma into shared catharsis.

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay: Thank you for coming to Tampa. We get so few chances to connect with you and your work.

Lydia Lunch: I’m always in Orlando, which I also will be, but don’t often come to Tampa. I used to come when I was doing more spoken word, but that was always tricky. How’s the club we’re playing?

I haven’t been yet, but they seem focused on being an actual punk venue, which is fantastic.

Really? We’ll bring something else to it. I like bringing Retrovirus and playing. These days especially, you gotta fucking rock. You’ve got to do something to relieve this bullshit that seems like a dark cloud hanging over our heads from the minute we wake up. When the sun goes down, I get rid of all that crap anyways.

I was thinking about what you do with your shows and your work, it feels like a secular tent revival of sorts.

I do call myself an evangelical… I just have to say it’s honestly amazing Creative Loafing is still going. So many zines and weeklies have just fallen off.

It’s kind of like being a telegraph operator at this point…. I want to talk about your podcast, “The Lydian Spin.”

I’m like an alternative to a fanzine and the journalism that has stopped. Some of that journalism doesn’t exist anymore. We have had so many kinds of people. It’s once a week. We haven’t missed an episode. Exposing people to different things and people they might not know about is essential.

It’s this excellent roundup of randos you’ve collected over the years.

We’re all stubborn individualists who keep doing what they must do. They were born to create in whatever format, we gotta get them on there. It’s mandatory. I consider it a cultural audio museum, like…

You’re like, what’s his name, Alan… Lomax?

Yeah, Alan Lomax. Lydia Lomax, I’m gonna change my name.

I love that you do that old-school radio show thing with the little news tidbits you bring to the show’s opening. In the last episode I listened to, you opened with some facts about the longestliving animal being a sponge.

There was a gruesome one today, a guy ate at Olive Garden…

The guy who got a rat foot in his soup? I saw that.

I only focus on the negative in my spoken word, mainly because somebody’s got to tie it

Nature’s revenge…Somebody has to try this crap out and be the voice for those that can’t scream out.

When you started doing your work, it was put down and denigrated. It hasn’t stopped you.

I wasn’t doing it for the fucking press comments. I was doing it because you had individuals who felt like I did and had the same experiences. I know I’m not alone in these feelings.

If you’re an artist, it just never stops. Maybe that’s because the bills don’t stop either.

I’m basically a professional juggler. I do a multiplicity of things to keep the wolf away from the door. There’s so many musicians that started when I did. I don’t blame them. They couldn’t survive. Fortunately, I never had a day job. I’m just too much of a jiggly-juggler. I’ve been a nomad for four years after I came back from Europe. I’m just gonna travel like the men used to do. Like the beats used to do all over Europe and Morocco.

What’s it been like being back in the States? You’ve been back a few years.

I did live in Barcelona for eight years. I can do more different types of performances in Europe. I came back to work with Retrovirus. But I don’t leave the house unless I go on tour. I have a unique position in Brooklyn, outside every one of my windows is trees. Gotta have some mental relief.

What’s your relationship with Florida?

I’ve come to Florida many times. It was basically James Faherty with Figurehead Records who had been booking bands since the late 80s (Black Flag, Elliott Smith, Sonic Youth). Much before the internet. They have an exhibition in Orlando at the history museum of all the shows he booked. At one point he had the best club in America, the Sapphire Supper Club. I toured with Exene [Cervenka] under James Faherty. That’s my connection to Florida.

all together. But I’m a very optimistic person. News does focus on the negative, and that’s another reason we put some funny shit in the intros to the podcast.

I was thinking about your work as optimistic, even though you get heavy, violent, wild, and unhinged.

Somebody else has to approach that. It can’t only be politicians and the military using that aggressive language…I was one of the first people to speak about incest, climate change, and Mother

I’ve gotten to speak with Exene about her time growing up here.

Oh yeah, she’s from St. Petersburg. A lot of people from the band Mars and the band DNA, came to New York from St. Petersburg in the mid-’70s and were part of the no wave movement. We used to be able to move more freely because it was a lot fucking cheaper. Especially in New York, my first apartment was $75, honey. I lived between two abandoned buildings with garbage piled six feet high. It was rough but that’s the way it was then. Now I’m looking at a tree and a couple of squirrels.

LADY SCARFACE: Lydia Lunch and Tampa have a date—don’t be late.

By Josh Bradley & Ray Roa

C CL Recommends

THU 28

Biishop The Artist w/Mai Sweet Basil Biishop’s soulful vocals, lyrics that hopelessly question his mother’s current amount of love for him, and airy, harmonious backing vocals make his latest Caido EP one of the finest musical odysseys to come out of any of our city’s amazing artists. There should be no excuse as to why he has never performed on any stage at Gasparilla Music Festival, but in the meantime, Biishop performs at this Alan Watts-loving, groovy haven in the heart of Seminole Heights. (The Far Forest, Tampa)

FRI 29

All Time Low w/Gym Class Heroes/ Grayscale/Lauran Hibberd For its smallest Bay area show since the late-aughts, the Maryland-based pop punk outfit will promote its latest Tell Me I’m Alive album, which will go down as one of All Time Low’s most contemporary and synth-based collections. If we didn’t know better, we’d hope that Teddy Swims—whose tour rolls into St. Pete five days later—would jump in for a quick “New Religion” guest spot. (The Ritz, Ybor City)

Brett Scallions w/Jason Bieler Slowly but surely, late ‘90s-rock outfit Fuel is devolving into a tribute band. But the good news is that longtime—and the band’s most recognizable—lead singer Brett Scallions is thriving on his own, and there’s more to his story than just “Hemorrhage (in My Hands).” The 51-year-old sang leads for Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger’s post-Doors touring band, Riders on the Storm, for three years, and you had better believe that you’ll hear some of those timeless anthems, alongside those that graced the late ‘90s come Friday night. (Central Park Performing Arts Center, Largo)

The Hails w/Cannibal Kids After spending their formative years playing opposite ends of Florida (Miami, where members grew up, and Gainesville, where they went to college), The Hails have eyes on dominating the entire country in support of a debut album, What’s Your Motive , released this month. The group, purveyors of polished indie-rock that’ll excite fans of Panic! At the Disco, Foster the People, and Magic City Hippies, gets support from another rising indie-pop outfit, Cannibal Kids, which has been no stranger to Bay area venues. (Crowbar, Ybor City)

Shinedown w/Papa Roach/Spiritbox

Remember the short-lived WXTB Halloweenie Roast? We do, and the last time Tampa Bay saw Papa Roach roll into town was at the 2013 iteration of the late, 98ROCK-run music festival at the ol’ Gary. The California band’s set was sandwiched between spots from Alice Cooper and Bullet For My Valentine. Ten years later,

Papa Roach returns to the same bandshell to open for Jacksonville rock outfit Shinedown, which we still can’t thank enough for the free concert and album signing at St. Pete’s Daddy Kool Records last year. (MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa)

SAT 30

Deadwolff w/Midnight Vice/The

Osceola Brothers Canadian rock trio

Deadwolff’s debut Heavy Rock n’ Roll album is probably the most stereotypical rock record of the year. The exact same guitar tone is used all throughout, the same drum intro is used twice, and many of the 10 tracks are in similar keys. It sums up early heavy metal and hard rock pretty well, and if you’re looking for an evolutionary gig of sorts, local heavy metal outfit Midnight Vice and Hollywood, Florida-based rock power trio The Osceola Brothers will also be present.

(Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa)

Death Grips Just like at the old State Theatre in 2015, the enigmatic, experimental rap trio—with no new album, but a setlist that has grown astronomically since then—has recently been hitting the stage whenever it pleases, rather than at the promised, ticketed time. Based on show reviews across the years, MC Ride and friends grasp showmanship that is similar to Bob Dylan’s, in that there’s absolutely no banter, you don’t exactly know what to expect, and you either get it, or you don’t. Luckily for those who don’t, this gig has been sold-out pretty much since its initial announcement last December.

(Jannus Live, St. Petersburg)

Eric Church w/Whiskey Myers While Church’s 2022 “Gather Again” tour saw

him bring an in-the-round format to Tampa, Church—who sang the National Anthem with R&B songwriter Jazmine Sullivan before the 2021 Super Bowl at Raymond James Stadium— has yet to do an outdoor summer tour or headlined amphitheaters. Palestine, Texas Southern rock band Whiskey Myers opens the show, which is one of two Florida stops on the tour, with Tampa show being the second to last stop on the 26-city run. (MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa)

Rebekah Pulley Duo w/Harper Wynn/ Van Plating

There are some artists who define the sound of Florida Americana, and others that reinvent it completely. Rachel van Plating falls in between, with an eye on past tradition and an ear to push the genre forward. While you can feel her family’s generational presence in the Sunshine State on a new album, Orange Blossom Child , released this month, the 11 songs—about love that shouldn’t work (“The Sugar Palm Club”), big Covid feelings (“Hole In My Chest”), almost dying (“The Hard Way”), and shitty dudes (“Big Time Small Shot”)—feel like a tide change in the state’s alt-country scene. A host of special guests—including Auburndale country-rock OG Jon Corneal, dobro-weirling Rob Ickes, plus Wildwood country star Elizabath Cook and even Reckless Kelly— bring the record to life, making it feel like a family affair. Van Plating opens a heck of a songwriters show under the Skipperdome. (Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa)

SUN 01

Shawn James w/Evan Bartels One of the 36-year-old multi-genre singer-songwriter’s latest singles, “I Want More,” is one of James’

$3.50

SARAH BREWINGTON BAARNES

Van Plating

most personal works, fully equipped with a fiddle section and plenty of acoustic guitar. “Is enough ever enough? I don’t know the answer, but I know what it feels like to have those thoughts and emotions,” he said in a release. You’re guaranteed to hear the new track and more at what appears to be James’ first Tampa show ever. (Orpheum, Tampa)

Quarters Of Change w/Rebounder/P.M.

Tiger Space-rock, ‘90s alternative and ‘70s grooviness come together on stuff from Quarters of Change, a New York Band spending a month on the road tightening up songs from its forthcoming full-length, Portraits , due Jan. 26, 2024. (Crowbar, Ybor City)

MON 02

Toad the Wet Sprocket w/The Verve

Pipe

It seems that a good chunk of the venues that Glen Phillips—frontman of Toad the Wet Sprocket—has brought his solo gigs to have shut down in recent years. Hideaway Cafe and The Attic at Rock Brothers are both history at this point, and though we’re keeping our fingers crossed for St. Pete’s Bayboro Brewing (where he played last winter), we don’t think Phillips’ appearance in downtown Clearwater with Toad will be the last we see of the historic venue. The band behind “Walk on the Ocean” is currently on the road promoting a new greatest hits record—ala Billy Joel—properly titled “All You Want,” and even without original drummer Randy Guss (who retired from touring in 2017 due to a worsening struggle with Osteogenesis imperfecta, a bone disease), you’ll be in the presence of a ‘90s band that provided relief from the likes of the Backstreet Boys and Nsync back in the day. (Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater)

TUE 03

Band Of Horses w/Bella White

Following two legendary performances in Tampa Bay last year—one at Gasparilla Music Festival, and another opening for The Black Keys at the ol’ Gary—sole remaining original member and creative force Ben Bridwell kicks it back to the early days performing in the small rooms of Ybor City, while bringing Band Of Horses’ latest Things Are Great album and more back to town.

(The Ritz, Ybor City)

WED 04

Hot Tuna Electric For a multitude of unknown reasons, it’s been said that undoubtedly the best of the many Jefferson Airplane sequel bands (which I’ll fight you on) will not be doing any more electric gigs after this year. Members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady will spend the rest of their time together sticking to acoustic sets, but for the third-to-last show of this tour, Justin Guip—a backup drummer for Levon Helm in the last decade of his life—will bang on the cans in downtown Clearwater. (Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater)

Teddy Swims After a few years of EPs and social media covers, the 30-year-old Georgia boy—whose “Lose Control” single currently

sits at no. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100—finally released his soulful, bluesy debut album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1) last month. He was part of the final concert season at the since-shuttered Orpheum in Ybor City, and sure enough, even after upsizing to St. Pete’s historic outdoor venue on 1st Avenue, Swims is still one of the hottest tickets of the month, as this show is very sold-out. (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg)

THU 05

Avey Tare w/Geologist/Alien House Tampa is one Panda Bear and Deakin away from an Animal Collective reunion next Thursday when David Portner (aka Avey Tare) and Brian Weltz (aka Geologist) play the New World Music Hall. Portner, 44, is on the road supporting a March album, 7s , made for folks who love psychedelic-pop and watching artists hunch over their keyboards and samplers. On it, he sings about love (although

you’ll only really be able to understand half the words) and his time in the music biz. Weltz, for his part, has been unleashing episodes of his excellent monthly NTS Radio program, “The O’Brien System,” and letting listeners into all of the weird experimental music he’s been digging through. Tampa producer duo Alien House opens the show. (Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa)

Ashnikko w/Audrey Nuna On their debut, concept album Weedkiller, Ashton Casey— a.k.a. Ashnikko—portrays a fairy surrounded by a machine called the Weedkiller, said to represent the shitty state of the environment, technology heading on the path to going a little too far, and every unnecessary adversity they have faced in life. The 27-yearold’s current run of shows contains most of the record’s tracks, but—understandably— no sign of “Boss Bitch,” the “Birds Of Prey” track they co-wrote with Doja Cat three years ago. (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg)

Jose Valentino & Eternal Power

35-year-old jazzman, Christian artist, and producer—halfway to becoming an EGOT, no less—kicks off the EMIT Latin Jazz Fest with his four-piece ensemble, perform ing cuts from its recently-dropped 20th album, Eternal Power Petersburg College, St. Petersburg)

Tierney Sutton singer and her band—specifically pia nist Christian Jacob—was personally approached by Clint Eastwood last decade, to soundtrack “Sully,” the 2016 film adap tation of Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s autobiography. The soundtrack was her only creation of the 2010s that did not get a Grammy nomination, and will remain a small footnote in her Largo set, which promises plenty of vocal jazz standards, and maybe even a few numbers from the Golden Age of Hollywood. (Central Park Performing Arts Center, Largo)

Avey Tare

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A SPLIT SECOND

MONDAY

DSTR / CELLMOD/DJ TOM GOLD

Things are just like they used to be, because 97X has announced a major return to its roots for the 22nd annual Next Big Thing, which goes down on Sunday, Dec. 3. This year’s installment of the alt-rock music festival is being stripped down to a one-day affair and will take at Coachman Park’s new live music venue, The Sound. Downtown Clearwater’s beloved waterfront park has not been home to NBT since its single day, 2005 iteration, which brought in the likes of 30 Seconds To Mars and a pre- Black Parade My Chemical Romance.

As of now, The Black Keys and Bleachers— both NBT veterans—are this year’s main headliners. Joining in the fun will be British indie rock outfit Lovejoy, New York indie-pop quintet MisterWives—last seen in Tampa opening for Twenty One Pilots in 2019—and Little Image, a trio that describes itself as a “group of perpetually online suburban teens who were obsessed with underground indie rock.”

More bands and artists will be announced soon, and as always, the winner of an annual Battle Of The Bands at Seminole Hard Rock and Casino Tampa will kick the day off.

Quavo, Diplo, will play Halloween parties at Tampa Armature Works next month

Merely days before the one-year anniversary of Takeoff’s murder outside of a Texas bowling alley, his uncle—and ex-Migo—Quavo is scheduled to perform at Armature Works’ weekend-long, third annual Pied Piper’s Haunted Carnival. Tickets to see Quavo at Armature Works on Saturday, Oct. 28 are now on sale, and start at $45. Every ticket includes access to the carnival itself, and VIP tickets are also available in two different tiers.

The 32-year-old ex-Migo is in the midst of promoting his new album Rocket Power, which he describes as a musical embodiment of his mourning process in the last year. “Sometimes I’m good, sometimes I’m down, sometimes I’m disappointed,

A press release from 97X says tickets to the 22nd annual 97X Next Big Thing go on sale to the public this Friday, Sept. 29 and start at $49. Tickets are available at The Raymond James Central Ticket Office at Ruth Eckerd Hall—1111 N. McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater—by calling 727-791-7400.

“We’re excited about bringing 97X Next Big Thing back to where it all started back in 2001!” Cox Media Director of Special Events Dan Connelly wrote in a press release. “We can’t think of a better backdrop for the 97X Next Big Thing than the amazing water and sunset views at the Sound.”

Don’t let the current, small lineup get you down, though. NBT is notorious for both electric and acoustic side stage shows away from all the main stage action. And The Green—Coachman Park’s 19-acre lawn just outside the gates to The Sound—has a side stage installed, normally graced by our local friends. So if a further away entry to the venue —or extra gating to connect The Green to The Sound, in an effort to prevent reentry fiascos—is feasible, maybe this move back home won’t be so different after all.

sometimes I fall apart, but then I ALWAYS find my strength again,” Quavo wrote in an Instagram post earlier this year. While there’s no sign of fellow Migo Offset anywhere on Rocket Power, the album still features posthumous contributions from his nephew, as well as guest spots from Future and Young Thug.

Pied Piper Productions never fails to stage unforgettable Halloween parties in Tampatown, and this year’s iteration of the carnival will have actual Ferris wheels, costume contests, a kids zone, and a concert lineup that features more than Quavo. Friday, Oct. 27 will see Diplo—longtime collaborative comrade to Sia and Skrillex— headline opening night and British EDM trio Above & Beyond closes up shop on Sunday, Oct. 29. See the full lineup via cltampa.com/ music.—Josh

Bradley

DAVE DECKER

TACO TU EsDAY

In the course of getting through the production of the 2023 Best of the Bay awards, my mind and body kept coming back to one thing: work.

Pretty much every single one of you reading this is being asked to do more of it, with less resources. On most days, you probably don’t get to check off as many tasks as you wish you did. When you go to bed, you might think a lot about that work ahead of you the next day, and your friends and family, and if you’re doing the right thing.

I think that this big ol’ keeper of an issue, and the way it’s celebrated year in and year out, gives us an excuse to answer that question with a simple, “Yes. Yes, you are.”

Across the critics and readers picks, there are close to 600 winners in Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s 2023 Best of the Bay. For the first time ever, CL is

also handing out certificates for second and third place finalists in the readers poll.

The awards represent the eclectic and varied tastes of CL readers and contributors. All told, more than 832,880 votes were cast in this year’s Best of the Bay awards (by contrast, Trump earned just 603,607 votes in Pinellas and Hillsborough County in 2020). Our winners and finalists—and everyone who made any of the voting rounds— should be proud that close to a million people in the Bay area cared enough about the work you do to spend time out of their day checking off a box for you.

They checked that box, or awarded a critics pick, because the work you do at your shop, studio, construction site, salon, restaurant, club, bar—wherever you make a living—makes their lives better.

And in a world where workers need more money, and we’re all finding new ways to work more efficiently to survive, we need to embrace anything that adds a silver lining to the daily grind. There are times when I feel like the grind of Best Of the Bay—with all the effort, vote counting, anxiety, etc.—takes it out of our team, but I can’t imagine what your own daily workload does to you and your families.

I can speak for the entire team at CL in saying that we’re beyond grateful for the opportunity to celebrate you (and with you at the party!) each year—this is our 34th year doing this. The work you do makes our work possible, and it makes our community the only place we would want to make a living.

With great pride and gratitude, welcome to Best of the Bay 2023. Thanks for everything.

—Ray Roa

BEST AMERICAN STAGE IN THE PARK SHOW IN YEARS ‘RAGTIME’

In the two decades since American Stage began presenting springtime shows at Demens Landing Park, musicals have been the genre of choice, mostly on the lighter side like “Mamma Mia!” and “Footloose.” This year the company took a chance with “Ragtime,” a sweeping musical panorama of early 20th century history that comments powerfully on issues of race and class, requiring the largest Park cast yet. And go figure: Thanks to strong acting and expert direction by Erica Sutherlin, it was a big hit—and refreshing proof that outdoors doesn’t always have to mean lightweight. americanstage.org —David

Warner

BEST ART INSTALLATION FOR EAVESDROPPING DALI 360

The Dalí’s new 360-degree, immersive attraction is a new way for the museum to tell the story of the famed surrealist, and while the 40-minute, 39-foot-tall experience is a feast for the eyes, it’s also a special treat for the ears of tea chasers. While certainly not intentional, the dome’s design lets you hear even the faintest whispers of those standing next to you during the show. Dalí’s life, influences and secrets come to life at 360, but you might want to keep your secrets to yourself while being blown away by this show. the dali.org —Ray

Roa

BEST ARTS JOURNALIST WHO COVERS EVERYTHING ST. PETE CATALYST’S BILL DEYOUNG

How does he do it? Senior writer and editor at the must-read online newsletter St. Pete Catalyst, veteran journalist Bill DeYoung has carved out a niche as the most prolific and reliable source of arts news in Tampa Bay. He writes about what’s happening and who’s who on a near-daily basis, interviewing, forecasting, reporting, podcasting—and has proven to be invaluable to an arts scene that needs and deserves the attention he provides. stpetecatalyst.com —DW

BEST ARTS JOURNALIST WHO COVERS (ALMOST) EVERYTHING AT THE TIMES

MAGGIE DUFFY, TAMPA BAY TIMES

Not so long ago the Times had writers with individual beats in theater, museums and galleries, and classical music. Now one reporter, Maggie Duffy, covers all that, plus she writes about restaurants. We could sigh for the good ol’ days (where there were writers on the movie and media beats as well), but we can also thank Maggie, who deservedly won the St. Pete Arts Alliance’s MUSE award earlier this year for doing such a good job covering the region’s arts scene. tampabay.com —DW

BEST ARTS JOURNALIST COMEBACK STORY JENNIFER RING

Not that she ever went away. The intrepid Jen Ring was posting updates from her hospital bed last year just days after a double lung transplant, an operation that ushered in a new chapter for a young journalist whose constant companion had been her trusty oxygen tank. Not long after her 77-day hospital stay she was out and about again, covering the arts for Creative Loafing Tampa Bay with stories like her recent survey of Tampa Bay murals. You can also find her wry, perceptive voice in Creative Pinellas’ Arts Coast Magazine and in her own JenRingWrites blog. linktr.ee/jenringwrites —DW

BEST AURAL ART MAGAZINE ART IN YOUR EAR

Arts coverage across the Bay area, even at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, has taken a hit, but one person who’s still joyfully driving A&E news is JoEllen Schilke, host of “Art In Your Ear,” which airs every Friday on community radio station WMNF Tampa 88.5-FM. Week in and week out, Schilke brings in movers and shakers from every corner of the local arts scene and invites them to talk about not just what they’ve been up to, but what’s troubling them, too. And when other Bay area newsrooms can’t step up (like during this recent calamity in Hillsborough County where some commissioners can’t seem to understand the function of arts funding), Schilke invites members of the WMNF news team to break down what’s happening. If CL could turn the show into a print page, our paper would be better for it. @AiYEWMNF on Facebook —RR

BEST BELGIAN PINHEAD

'QUEEN OF THE CONGO' IMPERSONATION BRIDGET BEAN, ‘THE ELE-

galreporter, writes good movie thank Arts arts Jen new constant tank. Not out Creative recent find Pinellas’ JenRing—DW hit, A&E Ear,” and shakers and they’ve And up Hillsborough seem to Schilke to turn be —RR PINHEAD

PHANT MAN’ AT THE TAMPA REPERTORY THEATRE

“The Elephant Man” is full of showy roles, which give the leading actors a chance to show off. John Merrick requires a distorted body and speech to create the title character, the actress who plays Mrs. Kendal teases partial nudity, Dr. Treves anchors the narrative so they all leave a lasting impression on an audience. But when a performer in a tiny role makes you forget that they are acting and seems to be a frightening sideshow act, it’s etched into your mind. Such was Bridget Bean in a part that could easily be a caricature. Instead, for a few brief, real moments she pierces your heart with an arrow that makes you bleed empathy. tamparep.org—Jon

Palmer Claridge

BEST BEDROCK SENTINEL FOR COUNTERCULTURE IN A CHANGING DOWNTOWN CAFE HEY

This fall, Cafe Hey celebrates 16 years in downtown Tampa, and while the spot on the corner of Franklin and E Kay Streets has changed in subtle ways over the years, the neighborhood just south of it is nearly unrecognizable. What’s remained, however, is Cafe Hey’s commitment to being an unshakable sentinel for underground culture in Tampa. Without fanfare, and on any given night, the space with mutual aid flyers in the windows stows away the chairs and tables and transforms itself into a home for open mics, comedy and concerts by bands and artists just getting off the ground or experimenting with new sounds. cafehey.com —RR

BEST CAREER PERFORMANCE SUMMER BOHNENKAMP, ‘MISERY’ AT JOBSITE THEATER

Most performers are drawn to the stage as kids when a teacher or relative sees some talent and they realize that it’s fun to be the center of attention and get applause. As they grow older and understand the discipline required to excel and the ridiculous odds to make a living, sane folks quit. Those still compelled to continue often take a long time to realize that great performances should amaze by seeming effortless. Think Fred Astaire, who rehearsed till he dropped to make it appear simple. Actors want to emote and it’s all too easy to “chew the scenery.” Annie in “Misery” (remember Kathy Bates) is such a trap. But Summer Bohnencamp doesn’t take the bait; she

never allows her character’s psychopathic emotions to outstrip her technique. She’s perfectly calibrated for the intimate Shimberg Playhouse and chills your soul. jobsitetheater.org —JPC

BEST CEREBRAL CLOCKWORK FARCE ‘BASKERVILLE’ AT FREEFALL THEATRE

In the hands of freeFall’s breathtaking five-member ensemble portraying 40-plus characters, the collision of cerebral murder mystery and delicious farce made “Baskerville” a must see. The excitement here drew the audience in with scenic fragments, lightning fast costume changes, a staggering array of spot-on accents, and—wink, wink—actors running offstage and re-emerging seconds later with a different hat, posture, prop, mustache, hunchback or ridiculous fake beard held on with visible elastic. Half the uproarious fun was that the audience was in on the joke. With so many choices and few stylistic restraints, they rose to the occasion with riveting results. All told, it was a complete triumph from concept to execution on par with freeFall’s best. Simply elementary, dear reader. Elementary. freefalltheatre.com —JPC

BEST CIGAR BOX JOHNNY CHAMPAGNE

There are less than a handful of tracks that clock in near three-minutes long, and some of the thoughts are as short as 49-seconds, but it’s hard not to keep coming back to the beat tape and experiment Johnny Champagne released in July. There’s a steamy, almost humid quality to Tha Cigar Box‘s production featuring samples sourced from across the African Diaspora (including one Tagalog-language intro on the super-funky, all-tooshort “Whut’s Hattnin Waltz”). Champagne, who teaches at St. Pete’s Arts Conservatory for Teens, regularly collaborates with up-and-comers in the local scene (and is credited on tracks with Tamparapper-gone-gobal Doechii) and is part of the new generation of Bay area creatives that hopefully takes the reins. thejohnnychampagne.com —RR

BEST CLICHE-FREE GALLERY SHOW ‘THE ALCHEMY OF ART,’ FLORIDA CRAFT ART

This gallery is usually limited to Florida artists, but curators Elizabeth Brincklow and Mary Childs put out a national call and invited artists from New York, California and Massachusetts to join Florida craft makers in wood, fiber, ceramics, metal and glass. The question: can a special alchemy be created through integrating the arc of reaction between the maker, the medium and the audience? With artists of international stature, carefully curated, the show eschewed clichés and created a visual conversation across the gallery space. It confirmed that the best art demands that we stretch. brincklow-arts.com marychildsgallery.com —JPC

BEST CLONE(S) ANTHONY GERVAIS IN OFF-CENTRAL PLAYERS’ ‘A NUMBER’

What’s better for an actor than a juicy role? How about three—two of which are clones of the first?

Actor Anthony Gervais met this challenge beautifully in Off-Central Players’ production of Caryl Churchill’s chilling drama “A Number,” making such specific choices in physicality and attitude that we always knew which clone was which— especially the scarily amoral “original” who was abandoned by his father (subtly portrayed by Ward Smith). theoffcentral.com —DW

BEST COMEDIAN MIKE RIVERA

You used to be able to see Rivera all the time. But now that he’s become a regular on the popu-

lar Bored Teachers national tour, you can only see the Osceola Middle School teacher at an occasional local show (or if you’re in his class). His fast-paced comedy isn’t for children, but it is for adults who appreciate smart writing and delivery that comes from someone with decades of stand-up experience. thestandupteacher. com —Michael

Murillo

BEST COMEDY CLUB SIDE SPLITTERS

The pandemic wasn’t really good for anybody, but you could argue that Side Splitters actually came out of it better than before. It has multiple locations, hosts comedy competitions (and benefit shows for locals when necessary), and consistently has a variety of strong lineups coming to town. We’re lucky that most of our local comedy clubs are back up and running, but few are thriving like this one. sidesplitterscomedy.com —MM

BEST COMEDY OPEN MIC DEBINE BREWING COMPANY

The formula isn’t fancy— put a sign-up list on social media, show everyone the lineup Wednesday afternoon, and hold the mic that night. Comedians show up, the audience shows up, the comedy is hit and miss, and then they do it again the next week. Sounds easy, right? Unfortunately, most venues can’t seem to duplicate the formula, making DeBine (stylized “deBine”) a rarity in the world of open mics: consistent, reliable and with an audience every week. That’s why DeBine (and mic runner Matt Fernandez) have brought home awards over the past few years. debinebrewingco.com —MM

BEST CONCERT THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN THE CURE, AMALIE ARENA

If you were one of the 20,000 or so fans at The Cure’s Tampa concert in July, chances are you probably couldn’t hear a word of Robert Smith’s echoing, British mumbles. After playing a 2 ½ hour, powerhouse set full of hit singles like “Friday I’m In Love” and “Just Like Heaven” alongside tear-jerking bangers like “Pictures of You” and “Lullaby,” Smith gave the massive Tampa crowd a heartfelt, drawn-out goodbye. Thanking the crowd and accepting roses from the intensely-clapping concertgoers, Smith walked over to the microphone and uttered “I’ll probably never see you again…thank you” to all of us. (I

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BEST CAREER PERFORMANCE SUMMER BOHNENKAMP, ‘MISERY’ AT JOBSITE THEATER

STAGE PHOTOGRAPHY OF TAMPA

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continued from page 79

had to re-watch a video of that moment from someone in the first few rows to make sure I had heard him correctly, for the first time all night). He gazed out at the thousands of hooting fans with a pensive look on his face and a hand over his heart before scurrying off the Amalie Arena stage. —Kyla

Fields

BEST DICK JOKE ‘STROKE OF GENIUS’

Boiled Horse Production’s “Stroke of Genius” was part of Tampa Fringe and returned in July for a month-long run in the newly established year-round Fringe Theatre. The play stars Shane Mayforth as Dr. Winkworth-Perez, professor of Pantomime Masturbation at Scottsdale Community College. Winkworth-Perez gave Tampa Bay an hour-long academic-style lecture on the art of pantomime masturbation, complete with dickshaped infographics and hilariously fake historical footage of people pretending to jack it. It was the longest, most elaborate dick joke Tampa Bay has ever seen, and if that’s not worthy of an award, we don’t know what is. boiledhorse.com

—Jennifer Ring

BEST DRAMS & KILTS CONCERT SKERRYVORE WHISKY TASTING, SCOTTISH AMERICAN SOCIETY

According to some friends in the know, there’s something special about a man in a kilt. While I can’t personally vouch for that, I do know exciting music when I hear it. And, after going down the whisk(e)y rabbit hole not long ago, I also know that taking time to taste wee drams from across Scotland introduced by members of this great band makes for a memorable, senseheightening evening. sas-dunedin.org —JPC

BEST EXCUSE TO GET EXTRA ARTSY IN NOVEMBER ART’N MONTH

Creative Pinellas and Visit St. Pete Clearwater teamed up to bring Tampa Bay its first Art’n Month—a month to celebrate the arts in Pinellas County—last November. It’s the same month that Creative Pinellas hosts its Arts Annual exhibition. The yearly event shares the same purpose as Art’n Month—celebrating the arts, in all of its forms, in Pinellas County. We do our best to celebrate the arts year-round at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, but we love the idea of hitting it extra hard in November. creativepinellas.org —JR

BEST FIRST NOVEL BY A ST. PETE CHAMPION PETER KAGEYAMA’S ‘HUNTERS POINT’

In books like “For the Love of Cities,” Peter Kageyama has expressed a sunny optimism about the potential of urban life, particularly in his own St. Petersburg. Turns out that he can go to the dark side, too—or rather, the noir side. His first novel, “Hunters Point,” is a corker of a thriller, set in an evocatively rendered 1950s San Francisco where his hero, a private eye who, like Kageyama, is a third-generation Japanese American, gets tangled up with mobsters, military cover-ups, and even Jimmy Stewart (he’s in town to film “Vertigo”). Netflix, take note! peterkageyama.com —DW

BEST FIRST NOVEL BY A ST. PETE LEGEND

PAUL WILBORN’S ‘FLORIDA HUSTLE’

Raconteur, piano man, movie-star spouse, executive director of The Palladium—Paul Wilborn is all of those things and more, yet he’s found the time to write two fantastic Florida books. His first, “Cigar City,” a collection of short stories based on his experiences as a journalist in 1980s Ybor, won the Gold Medal in Fiction at the Florida Book Awards, and now he’s gone and topped himself with “Florida Hustle,” a hilarious picaresque starring a horror filmobsessed teenager, a B-movie scream queen, and a crusty, crafty con man named Cavanaugh Reilly who deserves a sequel. Full disclosure: I copy edited this novel, and it took me twice as

long as it should have because I was laughing so much. wilbornwrites.com —DW

BEST FRIDAY THE 13TH FLASH MOB WITCHES OF DUNEDIN AT DIFF

Can we normalize celebrating Friday the 13th instead of being afraid of it? That’s what the Witches of Dunedin did when they descended upon Moon Tower in their golf carts during this year’s Dunedin International Film Festival. After the performance, DIFF screened a series of horror film shorts for a delightfully horrific celebration of an unlucky day. linktr.ee/witchesofdunedin —JR

BEST FRINGE YEAR-ROUND FRINGE THEATRE

We’ve toured Ybor City with Tampa Fringe every May since 2017. It’s been fun seeing theater pop up in unexpected places throughout the district. So fun, that sometimes it’s hard to wait until May—but now we don’t have to. Tampa Fringe established a year-round home in Ybor’s historic Kress building. The new Fringe Theatre hosts Shameless Stories every second Wednesday, Tuesday night open mics, Walt Belcher’s monthly “BoomerTown” on fourth Sundays, Clark Brooks’ “Tampa Newsforce Live” on fourth Wednesdays, Fringeoke on Thursday nights, and Fringe Fridays. Fringe on! tampafringe.org —JR

BEST IN PUBLIC THERAPY SESSION PUSHA PREME

There’s nothing subtle about Pusha Preme. The Tampa rapper wears a mask to perform, but is always in your face whenever he’s onstage. He toned it down and stripped his set back a bit over the summer for an installment of Sean O’Brien’s “Music School” series where local artists explain their art and then stage an intimate performance. For his go, Preme turned the room into a therapy session, complete with a couch and therapist who asked him uncomfortable questions which he answered in earnest before performing cuts from his new album, Heroes Eventually Die. It was a nice twist on the live set from an artist who plays a lot of gigs in and around the city. allaboutpreme.komi.io —RR

BEST JAZZ MINDFUCK ETHOS OF ALDISSI

BEST FRIEND OF TAMPA BAY BOOK-LOVERS

TAMPA BAY TIMES’S COLETTE BANCROFT

Yes, the Times has reduced the number of staff writers covering the arts, but they had better never lose their invaluable books critic, Colette Bancroft (who’s also the copy desk chief). Not only does she do a terrific job of reviewing important new titles, she’s the mastermind behind the Times Festival of Reading, which has brought Tampa Bay readers together for indelible encounters with their favorite writers for more than 30 years. It returns to downtown St. Pete this year on Nov. 11. @colettemb on the social media network formerly known as Twitter —DW

If you paid attention to the short-lived Blue Note Bar on the outskirts of Ybor City, then you might’ve seen a young Anthony Alidissi cutting his teeth in the live music scene. The saxophonist and pianist—who discovered jazz in freshman year at the Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School—is now at Temple University where his ensemble with bassist Dan McCain drummer Maria Marmarou won the Outstanding Rhythm Section award at the 2023 Jack Rudin Championship at Jazz at Lincoln Center. And when he’s home, the 21-year-old Dunedin native gets it in with Ethos of Alidissi, an ensemble that recently brought to life songs its principal wrote around figures in Greek mythology. Last July at Seminole Heights’ Far Forest—flanked by drummer Roger Lanfranchi, saxophonist Nick Bredal (aka ChootyB), bassist Seth Lynn and Temple colleague guitarist Walter Krissel—Alidissi played Moog and Rhodes like a man possessed

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BEST IN PUBLIC THERAPY SESSION

PUSHA PREME

DAVE

DECKER

A History of the Printed Bird

Birds have mesmerized and inspired artists for centuries. Etched Feathers examines the works, and ar tistic processes, of John Costin and other bird artists and devotees, whose creations capture the essence of winged beauty.

BACK DOCK CONCERT ALL DAY PARTY MUSIC STARTS AT 3PM COPPERTAIL BREWING CO. 2601 E 2ND AVE TAMPA, FL

continued from page 91

on songs that stand up with the very best jazz fusion of modern times (there was a Domi and JD Beck cover) and exude the same kind of joy legends like Chick Corea used to bring to the stage. @anthonyaldissi on Instagram —RR

BEST LABOR NOTES SARAH MCNAMARA

Women, they run the world and make sure it doesn’t go off the rails. For her new book, Tampa native and historian Sarah McNamara compiled about a decade’s worth of research into a deep dive into the story of Tampeñas who not only fought fascism, but some who served as local organizers for the American Federation of Labors (Luisa Moreno). Luisa Capetillo, a Puerto Rican anarcho-syndicalist, feminist, and labor organizer who is the only known lectora to live and work in Ybor City, is visited, and present day labor organizers have used the book— “Ybor City: Crucible of the Latina South’’—as inspiration. @Dr_SarahMac on the social media network formerly known as Twitter —RR

BEST LOCAL INDIE-ROCK TIME MACHINE THE GRECIAN URNS AND ALEXANDER & THE GRAPES, THE FLORIDIAN SOCIAL

Out in the world, the summer of 2010 had some low points. Hundreds died during ethnic riots in Kyrgyzstan. A military crackdown on political protests in Thailand killed almost 100 people, and floods in Pakistan left more than 1,600 dead. Pop charts juxtaposed the turmoil (Katy Perry’s “California Gurls,” “Your Love Is My Drug” by Ke$ha and Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister” were all near the top of the Billboard Hot 100), and locally, The Grecian Urns made escapist Floridacore folk-pop magic on the band’s debut LP, Lovedream. The 45-minute offering wore Spanish moss, piped in warm brass and even invited listeners to paddle through the cool waters of the Loxahatchee River. The LP was a jewel, and two years later, another band, Alexander & the Grapes followed in the indierock masterpiece footsteps with its own debut, Hemispheres, an album wise beyond the young band’s years where, as Creative Loafing Tampa Bay noted, frontman Alexander Charos sings “about falling short and other hallmarks of the human condition with the honesty and economy of Gram Parsons and Kris Kristofferson.” With two days left in 2022, the Urns and Grapes came together at St. Pete’s Floridian Social to reignite that lightning in the bottle for a show where their now-grown fans from a decade ago

mixed in with grungy St. Petians (a nice ode to the old State Theatre), youth group survivors and people in tuxedos to celebrate two of the greatest indie records the Bay area has ever produced. Life is fast, and death is faster, as Charos notes on Hemispheres standout “Conversation,” but I’ll be damned if this show didn’t make me want to live forever. vivalarecords. bandcamp.com —RR

BEST MULTI-FACETED COMIC ACTOR KELLY PEKAR, ‘BASKERVILLE’ AT FREEFALL THEATRE

The supporting cast of “Baskerville” was astonish-

BEST MAKE YOUR OWN LUCK PERCEPTION

On his debut album, Tampa rapper Pedro Morales includes skits where someone is getting rejected by record labels. And on songs like “Hard Times,” over punchline-era and carefullytimed raps, the 28-year-old rapper better known as Perception rhymes about skipping college and how his body forced him to quit playing basketball. Elsewhere there’s chatter about getting laid off and having doors slammed in his face, but anyone in the hip-hop scene knows that Morales works harder than almost anyone else, and the effort paid off on Better Luck Next Time, one of the year’s best local releases. “The message of this album, for me, is to believe in yourself. I don’t say this on the album, but I live by it: The people that make it in life aren’t the people that are most talented,” he told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay earlier this year. “They’re the ones that don’t give up.” @perception_hiphop on Instagram —RR

ingly versatile. Each played multiple characters with hilarious specificity employing estimable comic timing. And what made it all so delightful was spoofing known cultural references. There were shades of the lunatic best from popular culture touchstones—as if Conan Doyle’s prose somehow had a ménage à trois with the Carol Burnett Show and the insane, inane world of Mel Brooks. But Ms. Pekar, as the lone female, was a singular presence. She got to run the gamut from spit and snarl through a series of perfect, delicious accents to a scarlet-gowned love interest who indeed stopped one character at first sight as he dissolved mid-sentence with “my lord, you have beautiful eyes.” It was a master class in comedic character acting. kellypekar.com —JPC

BEST MUSICAL THEATRE HAT-TRICK

JULIA RIFINO; KATE MONSTER, ALICE, AND PICKLES

Ice hockey (or cricket) fans know that a hat-trick

is something special. I’ve never met an American who could explain cricket, so let’s imagine the Lightning’s Steven Stamkos scoring three goals in a single game. It’s an elite accomplishment. Followers of musical theater across Tampa Bay witnessed a hat-trick this season from the honeyvoiced Julia Rifino. From her seductive puppet skills as “Avenue Q”’s lovesick Kate Monster & antagonist Lucy the Slut to continually striking the right tone navigating the topsy-turvy world as Jobsite’s “Alice,” to the hilarious perpetually-hysterically-pregnant, Pickles in Stageworks’ “Great American Trailer Park Musical,” she triumphed. @juliarifino on Instagram —JPC

BEST NEW CITY HALL PLUS PUBLIC ART DUNEDIN / HARVARD JOLLY ARCHITECTS

‘THE SEE’ SCULPTURE, HEATH SATOW

‘THE

SUN WILL RISE AGAIN’ SCREEN PRINTING MURAL, CHRISTOPHER STILL

When a community has outgrown spaces that are decades old and wants to centralize all city employees, it’s nice that the design enhances the available site, but that it also captures the small town ethos on the Gulf coast. Dunedin’s new city hall wave design fits the topography, the community and the crowning glory, of course, is stunning public art. Heath Satow’s ‘The See’ sleek contemporary interpretation of a water droplet, rises gloriously from the ground, reflecting all citizens who come and go, and reminding us that “individually we are one drop, together we are an ocean.” (R.Satoro). Inside, Mr. Still’s enormous 65-foot reproduction of his original painting captures sunset across St. Joseph Sound and reinforces “with the incoming tide, all boats will rise.” Dunedin walks the walk. dunedingov.com—JPC

BEST PLAY BY A THEATER CRITIC

MARK E. LEIB’S ‘WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS TRIUMPH’

“Those who can—do. Those who can’t—criticize,” goes the old saying. But Stageworks’ production of “When the Righteous Triumph”—a riveting account of the unrest that swirled around African-American sit-ins at segregated Tampa

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BEST MULTI-FACETED COMIC ACTOR KELLY PEKAR, ‘BASKERVILLE’ AT FREEFALL THEATRE

critics picks • arts & entertainment

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lunch counters in the 1960s—showed that longtime Creative Loafing theater critic Mark E. Leib is as incisive a playwright as he was a critic. It’s been a good year for Leib: he also just published his first novel, “Image Breakers,” to considerable acclaim. markeleib.me —DW

BEST NEWCOMERS TO NEW TAMPA

KEITH ARSENAULT AND THE NEW TAMPA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

When the beautiful New Tampa Performing Arts Center opened this year in Hunters Village, the county picked exactly the right guy to be its general manager: Keith Arsenault, whose broad experience (including close to 17 years managing the theater at HCC and a much-awarded career as a lighting designer) should be an ideal match for the the new facility, which includes a 354-seat theater and dance/rehearsal studio space. A weekend festival earlier this month showcased NTPAC’s programming potential for music, theater, dance and more. sprout.link/ newtampapac —DW

BEST MUSIC MAKEOVER COACHMAN PARK, THE SOUND

After two years of pandemic construction in downtown Clearwater, Coachman Park finally reopened in June, and it looks amazing. The Tampa Bay area got a taste of what the new Coachman has to offer during a week-long celebration that included big-name concerts at The Sound, local musicians on The Green, and a “History of Jazz Fest” event at the Bier Pier. We’ve heard a lot of music in Coachman Park over the years, but we’ve never heard so much at once. myclearwater.com —JR

BEST MUSIC VENUE WHERE YOU’LL NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT SEEING SOMEONE SIEG HEIL

BORN FREE PUB & GRILL

There was a loud shift in Tampa’s rock venue scene in February 2022, when Born Free started working with local promoters to book shows. Last month, the Sulphur Springs biker bar surpassed 100 shows, featuring more than 500 bands including national and local acts like supergroup Heaven’s Gate whose members hail

from outfits like Iron Reagan, Municipal Waste, Cannibal Corpse, Warthog,Reversal of Man and Horsewhip. It’s not uncommon to see an insane pit open up, but what you won’t see is someone throwing up a Sieg Heil (insane that we have to point that out, but some venues are looking the other way and hosting bands that embrace white supremacist ideas). Owner Afzaal Deen told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that his spot is an all inclusive welcoming environment focused on counter-culture. “We vigorously support the LGBTQ+ community and all minorities,” Deen— who was at the 1998 Tompkins Square Park riot in New York City when police beat protesters demonstrating against gentrification and income inequality—added. “However, we oppose oppression and we draw the line at hate speech and behaviors that condone oppression.” I don’t know what the crowd at Born Free would do if some Nazi-sympathizer pulled a chud move.

TRAILER PARK MUSICAL’ AT STAGEWORKS

Heather Krueger is a chameleon, both onstage and off. Her impressive vocal ability and stage presence make her a force to be reckoned with. But when the pandemic derailed her acting options, she added stage manager to her other roles as doting mother and charismatic performer/choreographer. Luckily for us, her bawdy persona was on full display as Linoleum (aka Lin) in Stageworks’ musical tribute to Florida trailer parks. She particularly ingratiated herself to packed houses when describing her neighbor’s affair as a “rendezvous.” Then, breaking the fourth wall with a naughty grin to make eye contact with an unsuspecting patron down front, she squeals with delight, “that’s French for fucking”—which brought a snorting roar from the crowd. stageworkstheatre.org —JPC

BEST NEW OUTDOOR MURAL

LISA MARIE THALHAMMER ‘LOVE’ MURAL AT BODY ELECTRIC YOGA COMPANY

Lisa Marie’s DC Love mural is now a must-visit tourist stop in our nation’s capital. Just ask Lady Gaga. Thalhammer and her team hope to paint rainbow murals in all 50 U.S. states throughout

2023 and 2024 to “honor the beautiful diversity of our world and connect us through the power of public art.” Our region is lucky that this striking symbol now graces the entire height and length of Body Electric’s north wall. It’s sure to become a St. Pete touchstone. lisamariestudio.com —JPC

BEST NEW PHOTOGRAPHY EVENT ST. PETERSBURG MONTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY

This year, a group of Tampa Bay’s most talented professional photographers and lens-based artists formed the St. Petersburg Month of Photography, a nonprofit dedicated to elevating photography in the Tampa Bay area. SPMOP brought St. Pete its first dedicated month of photography last May, with workshops, portfolio reviews, and photography exhibitions. They crowned St. Pete’s first photo laureate, set up a website devoted to photography in the Tampa Bay area, and created a calendar for folks to find photo-forward local events year-round. It was enough to inspire anyone and everyone to get out there and start taking better photos. spmop.org —JR

BEST NON-BINARY PERFORMER NEWT RAMETTA

Despite the governor and legislature misunderstanding what it means to be transgender and doing all they can to foment fear through misinformation, actor Newt Rametta is proudly establishing a fruitful career while non-binary. “I remember looking at [a trans actor on Netflix] and going wow, it is possible to get these kinds of jobs and just be who you are, as a human being,” Rametta told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. This season (he/him, she/her) played both men and women as complex humans with equal grace, even successfully splitting the difference in “In McClintock’s Corn” as both Margaret and Carl. —JPC

BEST OLD LESBIAN SCIENTISTS CAN BE FUN DRAMA DUO

NICOLE JEANNINE SMITH & TAYLOR ELYSE BELEW, ‘IN MCCLINTOCK’S CORN’ AT POWERSTORIES THEATRE

“In McClintock’s Corn” is the true story of little-known Nobel-prize-winning geneticist Dr. Barbara McClintock spanning five decades beginning in the 1920s. Set entirely in a cornfield,

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Luckily, Deen’s built a culture where we probably won’t have to find out. @bornfreepubandgrill on

Instagram —RR

BEST NAUGHTY TWINKLE IN HER EYE WHILE TRANSLATING FRENCH ONSTAGE

HEATHER KRUEGER, ‘THE GREAT AMERICAN

BEST NEW PHOTOGRAPHY EVENT ST. PETERSBURG MONTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY

TRISTAN WHEELOCK

critics picks • arts & entertainment

continued from page 100

Playwright Carolyn Gage’s play is about gendernon-conforming, neurodivergent geneticist McClintock and her companion/partner Harriet Creighton. It tells the story of McClintock’s revolutionary quest to understand diversity in nature and to reframe “deviance from the norm” as an expression of natural variance. Actors Smith (Barbara) and Belew (Harriet) simply shine with palpable chemistry. powerstories.com —JPC

BEST OPEN MIC UNDER THE OAKS

MELODY ARTISANS OF THE CROOKED THUMB

Oak trees are a ubiquitous, albeit magical, part of our lives as Floridians. Every other week in Safety Harbor, their limbs act like a warm embrace (even on cold nights!) for songwriters gathered for Crooked Thumb Brewery’s Melody Artisans open mic where curator Josh Reilly asks musicians to bring original music based on that week’s theme. It’s a treat to hear the artists explain the music and even more heartwarming to hear the silence during performances and kind words exchanged in the moments between and after songs. @melodyartisans on Facebook —RR

BEST OPERA ON A CRUISE SHIP ST. PETE OPERA’S ‘L’ITALIANA IN ALGERI’

Opera invites overreach; directors can be tempted to freshen up old war horses with concepts that bury the original’s intrinsic value. But sometimes the match of opera and director makes magic, and that’s what happened at St. Pete Opera with Ben Robinson’s inspired choice to set Rossini’s “L’Italiana in Algeri” aboard a cruise ship. The setting fit the wacky libretto perfectly, allowing for such cruisy touches as an onboard buffet (complete with pie fight) and amorous stateroom encounters. A gifted cast under Mark Sforzini’s musical direction made the whole thing cruise along like a song. stpeteopera.org —DW

BEST PROMOTER OF UNITY NICK MAJOR

For over 30 years, Nick Yantsios has been a fixture in the Tampa Bay hip-hop scene. He’s less visible now because of a medical condition, but Yantsios—known locally as Nick Major, and as a member of the late-1980s as part of the hip-hop group The Dedicated Brothers—still brings the spirit of his early Power Moves parties at MacFarlane Park to gigs like Unity Jam, which

he books with the help of friends. @nickmajorhiphop on Facebook —RR

BEST REACTION TO CORPORATE CIRCUMSTANCES 97X

Last summer, 22 years after its debut, 97X was acquired by Apollo Global Management and

is a reminder that regular folks like yourself have stood up to fascists for the better part of the last century. Her work, produced in conjunction with author Sarah McNamara, features three women—Dolores Ibárruri who rallied against Franco, Guatemalan labor organizer Luisa Moreno, and McNamara’s great aunt, Margot Falcón Blanco who was born in Ybor City—and inspires us to fight modern day fascists every day. michellesawyer.co —RR

left a lasting impression. hovercarmusic.com / giftshoptattooing.com —RR

BEST ‘RIGHT THE SHIP’ ARTISTIC DIRECTOR HELEN R. MURRAY, AMERICAN STAGE

When health issues forced Stephanie Gularte to step away from leading the region’s oldest professional theater, which also sports the largest budget, there were big shoes to fill. Unfortunately, after an exhaustive search, the chosen candidate ended up not being a good fit and the theater board had to find another leader. Enter playwright/director Helen R. Murray who seems to have brought a steady hand to St. Pete. The recent bi-lingual production of “La Gringa” was a triumph of distinctive design and evocative acting. The 2023-24 season promises powerful stories, boldly told including several regional/state premieres and a world premiere next summer about the rewards of kindness. americanstage.org —JPC

BEST RIGHTING A WRONG BOB SEYMOUR’S ‘JAZZ IN THE NIGHT’

soon found a new frequency in Pinellas. Listeners everywhere else had to either listen online or get an HD radio to tune in. And while we still tune to 97.1-FM from time-to-time, the team at the alternative radio station seemingly never skipped a beat and most notably still stages live events like its intimate big-name headliner shows at venues like Floridian Social. Tampa Bay’s pop-punk generation still has a place to go thanks to the 97X team, and the Bay area is better for it. 97xonline.com —RR

BEST REMINDER THAT ANTI-FASCISTS ARE EVERYWHERE MICHELLE SAWYER

The lust for facism is a real thing in Florida, but Michelle Sawyer’s Ybor City mural commemorating the district’s 1937 antifascist women’s march

BEST REVIVAL OF TATTOO SHOPS AS MUSIC VENUES HOVERCAR’S ALBUM RELEASE AT GIFT SHOP TATTOOING

For a hot minute, Pinellas’ Lucky You Tattoo was a stronghold for Tampa Bay’s DIY punk-rock scene. The ritual of rock at that tattoo shop has since waned, but for one night in Tampa Heights last month, Hovercar brought it back at an album release show in honor of the duo’s loud, unabashedly defiant grunge on its fulllength LP, Killing Jar. Arrogant Ales poured the locally-made brew, friends sold-merch, and the 3 Dot Dudes made vegan hot dogs outside. Gift Shop raffled off tattoos, and left its mark on a local scene that could never have enough places to host music. While there aren’t any gigs booked at Gift Shop right now, this one

Bob Seymour, a godfather of Tampa’s jazz scene, retired from his post as jazz music director at WUSF 89.7-FM in 2016, and it took some bullshit to get him back on the airwaves. Late last year, after WUSF canceled its beloved “All Night Jazz” programming after 56 years, Seymour was named as the host of a new jazz program that does what WUSF refused to: lift up a local scene that’s rife with talent, but not always the beneficiary of widespread support. Welcome back, Bob. wmnf.org —RR

BEST ROAST OF FLORIDA POLITICS CHAD MIZE’S ‘HOT BOX’

Florida politics have been hard on Tampa Bay’s LGBTQIA+ community this year, and Tampa Bay artists were just waiting for the perfect opportunity to art on it. That opportunity came with “Hot Box” at Chad Mize’s Space venue in June. The centerpiece of the exhibition: a three-sided selfie wall by Mize, Saumitra Chandratreya, and Andrea Pawlisz. Here, you could take your mug shot with a drag queen, stand in a library full of banned books, or say gay in a sea of rainbow doodles. Nearby, David rode a rainbow wave in Saumitra Chandretreya’s “Queer Revolution Is Coming.” A drag queen looked on in horror as

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BEST OLD LESBIAN SCIENTISTS CAN BE FUN DRAMA DUO NICOLE JEANNINE SMITH & TAYLOR ELYSE BELEW, ‘IN MCCLINTOCK’S CORN’ AT POWERSTORIES THEATRER

JENNIFER RING

Ron DeSantis sank his teeth into a children’s book in Chad Jacob’s “Freshly Squeezed.” And Apollo, Artemis, and Demeter are depicted as trans persons in Rhys Meatyard’s life-sized “Apollo, Artemis, Demeter.” chadmize.com —JR

BEST SOLO SHOW BECCA MCCOY, ‘THE YEAR OF EXTRAORDINARY TRAVEL’ AT OFFCENTRAL PLAYERS

Between September 2018 and August 2019, actor/writer/photographer/divorcée Becca McCoy traveled to eight states in the U.S. and seven other countries with five different travel companions or sometimes by herself. The stunning result, “The Year of Extraordinary Travel,” contained short tales and hundreds of photos celebrating the relationship-deepening, horizon-expanding, joy-inducing nature of travel, and the beauty of our diverse earth and common humanity. Her text explored reflection vs. memory vs. regret as she spun great yarns. Laughter joined angst as part of this memorable journey about living life to the fullest. beccamccoy.com —JPC

BEST TINY DESK CONCERT VIBES FAR FOREST

NPR’s Tiny Desk is a now-revered, carefully-curated and produced effort that makes the live music experience even more magical. But unless you’ve got a plug, you can’t just show up in Washington D.C. and attend. Far Forest has a solution. The Seminole Heights vintage shop recently launched a “Forest Sounds” series and has the booking (songwriters and jazz ensembles of the highest caliber so far) and aesthetic nailed down. Retro couches and chairs are rearranged to create a living room atmosphere, and the musicians play on the floor, close enough to hear them breathe. Online videographer Devyn Castro-Almeyda and audio engineer Carlos Reyes make Forest Sounds look and sound as good as it does in real life. Far Forest might be Tampa’s best new small venue, and we hope we can still get in once word totally gets out. @forestsounds.ff on Instagram —RR

BEST TRIBUTE TO HIP HOP WMNF

Hip-hop turned 50 years old this year, and there wasn’t a better place to celebrate than inside the home of Tampa Bay’s community radio station, WMNF Tampa 88.5-FM. The folklore around late WMNF host Kenny K always involves some kind of story about how on Saturday nights,

WMNF’s old station parking lot would be packed to the gills with people trying to hangout while Kenny—who died in 1994 following health complications—played what was, at the time, the only hip-hop programming in Tampa Bay. For its 50th anniversary of hip-hop celebration last month, the station’s lot was beyond capacity once again, as DJs, rappers and community members moved in, out, and about the building during a six-hour block of special programming dedicated to what is perhaps the country’s greatest contribution to music. The spirit of Kenny K was alive and well on that night, and let’s hope the station doesn’t wait another 50 years to throw another party like that. wmnf.org —RR

er, relatively unknown artists participated as well. The object of the show was to give women a voice through their art—a privilege historically denied to them. aliciacamposmasso.art —JR

BEST TROIKA OF COMPELLING DRAMA

‘DOLL HOUSE 2,’ ‘ELEPHANT MAN,’ ‘ALL MY SONS’ AT TAMPA REPERTORY THEATRE

The late USF professor, C. David Frankel,

BEST TRIBUTE TO WOMEN IN ART HISTORY

ALICIA CAMPOS’ ‘100 WOMEN ARTISTS IN ART HISTORY’

As a student of art history, Tampa artist and academic Alicia Campos couldn’t help but notice that there are notably fewer books about women artists than male artists. “If you buy a general book on art history, still you don’t see the women in it,” Campos told CL last year. More than 100 contemporary Tampa Bay-based women artists contributed to Campos’s “100 Women Artists in Art History” exhibition, which premiered at Spain Restaurant in downtown Tampa in January 2023. Campos assigned one historical artist to each participating contemporary artist. The contemporary artists then created new artwork inspired by their given historical artist’s work. Some of Tampa Bay’s most talented and prolific women artists, including Diane Radel, Rebecca Skelton, Marjorie Greene Graff, and Heather Rippert, participated in the show. Several young-

co-founded Tampa Rep to focus on American drama. For the 2022-23 season, the company chose three riveting plays—a new American sequel to a 19th century classic, a British powerhouse well-known here and across the pond and Arthur Miller’s first American tragedy. Each production wowed audiences and the judges for Theatre Tampa Bay where TRT received a slew of award nominations on Sept. 17 to cap its most successful season. tamparep.org —JPC

BEST USE OF BODY PARTS

AMY WOLF’S ‘BEGINNER’S MIND’ AT SHAMC

You don’t see a lot of artists using papier-mâché as a fine art medium, but it’s always interesting when they do. This is especially true when the artist builds a fort out of palm branches and painted papier-mache body parts. St. Petebased artist Amy Wolf’s “Beginner’s Mind” premiered at Safety Harbor Art & Music Center in January 2023. The tangled body parts, frequently used in Wolf’s work, symbolize humani-

ty’s spiritual interconnectedness. Stepping inside Wolf’s fort of fragmented humanity felt like stepping into a cave full of prehistoric paintings. Wolf makes her mark. amywolfart.com —JR

BEST USE OF LIMITED STAGE TIME

JAIME GIANGRANDEHOLCOM, ‘THE WOLVES’ AT THINKTANK THEATRE

“The Wolves” chronicles six Saturday mornings in the lives of a teen girls’ soccer team somewhere in suburban America as they prepare for their games. Ultimately, there is a particular kind of love that is forged between young women at an early moment in their lives that is eternal. When No. 14 is tragically killed in a traffic accident, teammates assume they will have to forfeit. However, they rally together as No. 14’s Soccer Mom, Jaimie Giangrande-Holcom, caps the evening with a brief, but breathtaking, speech manic with grief while clearly avoiding the subject. Her simple restraint only doubles the emotional impact of unspoken pain. thinktanktya.org —JPC

BEST UP-AND-COMING COMEDIAN GORDON DIXON

Comedy is subjective, but a good work ethic isn’t. And Dixon will usually take whatever spot you offer him on a show. Have a feature spot across the state? He’s there. Hosting opportunity in another county? Count him in. A guest spot on a last-minute show? If he’s open, he’ll take it. A strong stage presence and positive attitude doesn’t hurt, either. If you’re seeing his name around town more, it’s because clubs and other venues are taking notice. @thegordondixon on Instagram —MM

BEST WATER TOWER ART ‘HENRY & SYLVIA’ BY TOM STOVALL

What’s a city to do when they have an oldstyle, million-gallon water tower in need of a facelift? Well, if it already looks like a giant egg, why not honor sea turtles and gopher tortoises hatching their way into our world?

Large scale muralist Tom Stovall created “Henry and Sylvia” on the Curlew Water Tower honoring legendary Caladesi Island settler Henry Scharrer on the east side with a happy, 11-color tortoise. Sylvia, the simpler but more colorful turtle on the west face, honors longtime Dunedin resident, legendary marine

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BEST TRIBUTE TO HIP HOP WMNF

RAY ROA

Fall

Serenity and More!

Fall in for Beauty, Serenity and More!

Discover the natural side of Bok Tower Gardens this fall as Florida’s native wildflowers bloom with beautiful colors. Explore the biodiversity found along the beautiful trails of the Pine Ridge Preserve and take a comfortable stroll through the historic Olmsted Gardens. Enjoy daily Carillon concerts at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Discover the natural side of Bok Tower Gardens this fall as Florida’s native wildflowers bloom with beautiful colors. Explore the biodiversity found along the beautiful trails of the Pine Ridge Preserve and take a comfortable stroll through the historic Olmsted Gardens. Enjoy

biologist, National Geographic explorerin-residence, Time magazine “Hero for the Planet” and author Sylvia Earle. These giant, joyful reptiles are guaranteed to make you smile. tomstovall.me —JPC

BEST WAY TO ALIENATE AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY WUSF CANCELS ALL NIGHT JAZZ

For more than half a century, WUSF’s “All Night Jazz” programming was a friendly, comforting voice and cornerstone of a local jazz scene that never had it easy. It was old reliable, and it was the best thing on the radio when the rest of the Bay area went to sleep. That run ended abruptly on Halloween night after General Manager JoAnn Urofsky told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay she was pulling the plug on the programming to make way for news, which already dominated 21 hours of WUSF’s daily program. Jazz lovers from across the country—including famed, sometimes surly critic Ted Goia—begged and pleaded for mercy, but cries fell on deaf ears, and it’s hard to imagine anyone who cared about jazz ever forgetting. wusf.org —RR

BEST WAY TO COLLECT YOUR THOUGHTS STEPH HARGROVE AND ROSE CERVANTES’ ART JOURNALING WORKSHOPS

Between the pandemic, inflation, and climate change, life’s more complicated these days. We understand if you need a moment to reflect and find a new way to move forward in this new world. Steph Hargrove (@art4theppl) and Rose Cervantes’ art journaling workshops, hosted at the Morean this year, gave Tampa Bay the supplies and skills needed to reflect productively on this moment. Sometimes, our thoughts and feelings are elusive, pushed to the back of our minds so we can survive, trapped without a way to come out. It’s incredible how, with a box of free art supplies and a little prompting, we can release our most buried thoughts and feelings. Thanks to support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Creative Pinellas, and the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, Hargrove and Cervantes (@tabirose) provided 100 therapeutic art boxes to Tampa Bay residents for free. Each box contained an instruction manual full of prompts along with the supplies needed to respond to those prompts through the most accessible of art me -

diums—collage. Thanks to these two, everyone had the opportunity and the means to collect their thoughts moving into 2023. —JR

BEST WEIRD SHOW UNHOLY COMEDY

Run by local comedians Hugh Carey and Lauren Gray, Unholy Comedy show—now at St. Pete’s Zubrick Magic Theater—has quickly become a popular comedy curiosity, selling out regularly and with a waiting list for future shows. If you’re offended by the use of religious imagery for shock effect, it’s not for you. But if you like professional headliners performing in a theatrical, gothic setting, check it out (if you can score a ticket). unholycomedyshow.com —MM

BEST WORLD TOUR OPENER THAT CAUSED MISSED MORTGAGE PAYMENTS BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND, AMALIE ARENA

For decades, Bruce Springsteen—a longtime voice for your average, working class person— was known for his low ticket prices, three-anda-half-hour concerts, and dynamic setlists. With the July 2022 announcement that the Boss and the heart-stoppin’, booty-shakin’, Viagra-takin’, history-makin’, legendary E Street Band would kick off their first tour together in six years at Tampa’s Amalie Arena, TicketMaster went on to screw over hundreds of thousands of SpringNuts, through not only its already-frustrating Verified Fan selective presale, but also skyrocketed service fees, and a new “dynamic pricing” system that made pit tickets that once cost $250 shoot up to the thousands. Nonetheless, when opening night did finally roll around on Feb. 1, Tampeños were the first to really witness how tight the E Street Band has remained following the Trump years and a global pandemic. Oh, and not to mention that this was one of currently three shows on this global tour that Bruce’s wife Patti Scialfa has been onstage.

Josh Bradley

BEST YASSIFIED PIT STOP ON A DWARF PLANET JAKE WESLEY ROGERS, CROWBAR

There’s no more Panic! At The Disco to open for, so other than completing his debut album at Abbey Road Studios, what was Jake Wesley

BEST YASSIFIED PIT STOP ON A DWARF PLANET JAKE WESLEY ROGERS, CROWBAR

Rogers to do in 2023? The 26-year-old little queen—whose flamboyancy and piano-driven anthems (“Pluto,” “Lavender Forever’’) remind us of what a non-closeted Elton John would have been like as a young man—had enough material, both released and unreleased, and banter about self-love, getting mad at Siri, and his bandmates to get through a full, 70-minute show. Opening night of the “Peace, Love, & Pluto’’ tour—loaded with costumes made of tulle and Twister mats—took place at Crowbar Ybor, which was the only independent venue on Jake’s itinerary, with every other spot in the country being a Live Nation venue. jakewesleyrogers.com —JB

BEST YBOR CITY ART TAKEOVER KRESS COLLECTIVE

We knew Ybor City’s Kress Building would become Tampa’s hottest new art hang the moment we heard that Tracy Midulla (Tempus Projects) and Emiliano Settecasi were moving in. But then more artists and arts organizations set up shop at 1624 E 7th Ave. Summer came, and the art events popped up with the temperatures. Before we knew it, we were spending multiple days a week in Ybor City. Tampa News Force and Shameless Stories on Wednesdays, Art openings on Thursdays, Fringe on Fridays, and movies at Screen Door all weekend long. It never ends, and we’re here for it. —JR

DAVE DECKER

critics picks • food & drink

BEST ASIAN-STYLE BEEF STEW WITH BROTH THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND ALESIA

The beef is tender and toothsome. The carrots are huge and sweet. The noodles are silky. The onions and scallions add crunch. But it’s the broth that’s the star of this Vietnamese comfort dish, which is really more of a soup than a stew. The broth is nectar of the gods—a sublime mixture of slightly sweet, slightly salty and other elusive flavor elements that can’t be adequately described in words. You must partake to understand. Alesia—a fixture on the west end of St. Pete’s Central Avenue—offers seating indoors as well as outside in a charming courtyard. alesiarestaurant.com

—Eric Snider

BEST AUTHENTIC ENGLISH PUB FOOD JACK’S LONDON GRILL

We all know of the ubiquity of “fish and chips.” Beer-battered haddock is a staple with British chips, which are usually thick and hand cut similar to U.S. steak fries. In fact, there are relatively few authentic British pubs across the Bay area. What I have discovered is that Jack’s London Grill—in St. Pete, and celebrating its 10-year anniversary—is an oasis which easily delivers the food that Brits crave. Take that, Covent Garden. Add comfort food favorites, the Scotch egg and the sausage roll to the scrumptious entrees shepherds pie, bangers (sausages) ‘n’ mash with rich Guinness gravy or their delicious variety of handmade meat pies. jackslondongrill.com

—Jon Palmer Claridge

BEST BAREFOOT BARTENDER-FISHERMAN WHO MAKES HOOKIN’ LOOK EASY

MATTHEW NEUMANN, HOOKIN’ AIN’T EASY

There aren’t many more quintessentially Floridian experiences than being fed by the person who plucked your food out of the ocean—and you can’t call yourself a local unless you’ve had the pleasure of St. Pete native Neumann handing you a plate of smoked wahoo fish dip while checking to make sure you don’t need another beer. Neumann and his wife Veronica run the no-frills, Hookin’ Ain’t Easy fish shack and seafood market out of a sweet spot on the edge of Gulfport, and he does it with a smile while sometimes wearing plain old flip-flops as he runs food and checks on customers. It’s easy to find corporate, bastardized,

and Disney-fied versions of Old Florida out there, but this ain’t it, and Tampa Bay’s better off when families like the Neumanns get to serve you their version of the salt life instead. @HAESeafood in Facebook —Ray Roa

BEST BATHROOM WITHOUT AN INSTAGRAM PAGE LA SÉTIMA CLUB

Full disclosure, I’m sweating in the La Sétima kitchen three nights a week, and no, its merciful owners didn’t force me to write this. I had plans to give La Sétima its Best of the Bay flowers after my very first visit as a customer in the fall of 2022. Wonderful selection of natural wine, late-night vegan eats and its beautifully transformative, yet familiar lounge aside—one of the most striking aspects of La Sétima Club is its beautiful bathrooms. Designed by Tampa native Annie Cox, each of one of its gender neutral bathrooms offers a unique mix of patterns, colors, local artwork, meticulouslystacked books and vintage adornments. One bathroom even has an ottoman for when you have the drunk spins. The natural wine bar and plantbased kitchen doesn’t need a bathroom-themed Instagram account depicting sloshed regulars to show how much people love its cozy space—just swing by on any Friday and Saturday night and see for yourself. Lasetimaclub.com —Kyla

Fields

BEST BELOVED ITALIAN IN GULFPORT PIA’S TRATTORIA & PIA’S VERANDA

Soul-warming pasta and a Tuscan-village vibe are among the reasons a table at Pia’s Trattoria is one of the hardest gets in Gulfport. But once Pia’s took over the bungalow next door (the former home of Peg’s Cantina, Tutto Bene and others) and opened it as Pia’s Veranda, now any forlorn folks who can’t get into Pia’s can stroll over to the Veranda and get the same delicious dishes with the added benefit of patio seating and live music (often by the excellent Mark Moultrup Trio). piastrattoria.com —David

Warner

BEST BOUGIE HUSHPUPPY BLUE CRAB BEIGNET AT BOULON BRASSERIE

Hushpuppies are a staple of a Floridian existence, so it makes sense that as Water Street renders the southern end of downtown Tampa almost unrecognizable, the neighborhood gets to have its own bougie version of the deep-fried

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DAVE DECKER

critics picks • food & drink

treat. Five of Boulon’s heavenly balls of blue crab will set you back a couple dozen dollars, but every mouth-warming bite is worth the satisfaction of watching your dining partner squint their eyes in pleasure as they also wipe the spicy remoulade off their face. boulontampa.com —Ray Roa

BEST BOOZY AVENGERS

TAMPA EDITION PUNCH ROOM

Tural Hasanov is the Beverage Director at Tampa Edition’s Punch Room (the only such venue in North America, mind you). The Azerbaijan-born encyclopedia of cocktail culture (he literally authors books about beverages and is about to release another) rarely sleeps and spends his time learning and developing menus for Punch Room and adjacent Arts Club. He’ll soon help other Edition hotels around the world do the same. He’s also kind of like Stan Lee in that he’s assembled a straight up cast of superhero bartenders and mixologists that is quietly setting a very high standard for drinks in Tampa Bay. On any given night, for advertised events and otherwise, Hasanov’s team—which includes Amber Carregal, Renée Fitzgerald and Nihat Çam—pours not just knowledge, but a seemingly bottomless well of technique and curiosity into cocktail menus and events featuring distillers and drinks gurus from across the globe. The Edition defines luxury in these parts now, and the Punch Room team is the best part of the experience. editionhotels.com —RR

BEST BREAKUP BAR PAR BAR

St. Pete’s Par Bar is the best breakup bar, putters down. First of all, there are two exits. This also means there are two entrances so that you can be sure the green is clear of your ex putt-putt partner when you show up not to play putt-putt but to watch the Lightning. And when you’re alone watching the Lightning, you can take comfort in the fact that all the bartenders are familiar with your situation. These Par Bar-tenders call it “the curse” actually, because so many of the League Night couples have ended up in the bunker. Which means, you’re in good company. And on finals night, you can watch comedians heckle your ex which will be totally awkward especially when despite the heckling, your ex wins the whole damn thing. parbarstp.com —Kate Oberdorfer

BEST BREWER... WHO BUSSES TABLES, TOO PAUL RUTHERFORD, ZYDECO BREW WERKS

Rutherford—who quietly makes some of Tampa’s best pilsner, ales, barrel-aged beers, eisbock and marzens—just might be the best brewer in Tampa, but you’ll notice him doing something else at Zydeco Brew Werks, too: bussing tables. In a world where most other restaurant owners whine about “people not wanting to work,” the Pennsylvanian who’s becoming more Tampeño with each passing year, spends his free time picking up glassware, menus, and anything really, just so his staff doesn’t have to worry about falling into the weeds. I love drinking what Rutherford is pumping out at Zydeco, but I’ll be damned if watching him work doesn’t make me feel like I don’t bust ass hard enough for the people I work with every day. zydecobeer. com —RR

BEST BREWERY TO GET SURPRISINGLY GOOD CHICKEN WINGS ANGRY CHAIR BREWING

It’s getting harder these days to find a spot where you can pair a piping hot order of wings with a pint that was brewed just a few feet away, but it ain’t no thang at this Old Seminole Heights taproom. Not only are the wings at Angry Chair delicious, they’re also competitively priced, with a daily happy hour as well as 10 wings for $10 every Wednesday. With inventive flavors like pizzeria hot and smoky peach BBQ alongside classics like lemon pepper, it’s hard to “Stay Angry” while eating here. angrychairbrewing.com —Jourdan Ducat

BEST COFFEE SHOP FOR FASHION INSPO BANDIT COFFEE CO.

Bandit Coffee Co. is the St. Pete hotspot for seasonal lattes, breakfast burritos and slaying sourdough. It is also the place to go if you’re feeling bored, frustrated and generally hopeless about your wardrobe. The outfits that work behind the coffee bar and walk into Bandit’s doors are always a jaw-dropping Wow. The colors and textures and patterns and unusual pairings are representative of just how creative the Tampa Bay area is, and Bandit is emblematic of the fact that we live in a special spot in Florida where you can come exactly as you are. banditcoffee.co —KO

BEST COMBO FAJITAS MIGUEL’S MEXICAN SEAFOOD & GRILL

This landmark place on Kennedy Boulevard and MacDill Avenue in Tampa encourages customers to customize their fajitas with eight different proteins. Depending on your disposition toward red

meat, the beef + pork is a winning combo. Both are outstanding, although the roast pork—Cuban-style—gets the slight nod. The meat comes out sizzling on a hot, cast-iron plate, sided by exemplary pinto beans (with bacon) over yellow rice. Add pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole. Roll it all into handmade tortillas. Eat. Magnifico. miguelscafe.com —ES

onions, basil pesto and balsamic glaze. Oozy, not sloppy. And tasty, real tasty. focheezy.com —ES

BEST CROSS-BAY TORTILLAS TE INVITO

From sit-down restaurants to food trucks and gas stations, there is obviously no shortage of tasty tacos in Tampa Bay. But homemade, fresh tortillas can be a rarer sight. Luckily, popular food truck Te Invito dishes out delicious tacos on freshly-pressed tortillas at local breweries and events on any given night. Te Invito owners Jesus Bravo and Korie LoVecchio have mastered the process of creating their own fresh tortillas by grinding a mix of corn masa, which is utilized in other dishes like sopes and gorditas, too. Heavyhitters on the Te Invito menu include its prized quesabirria tacos, churros with chocolate sauce and chicken pipian tacos, topped with a pump kin seed mole, crispy chicken skins and cilantro. @te_invito_tampa on Instagram —KF

BEST CUBAN ROAST PORK (WITH BLACK BEANS AND RICE) PIPO’S

BEST CREATIVELY DECADENT GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH THE

CHEEZY CAPRESE AT FO’CHEEZY TWISTED MELTZ

BEST CREATIVELY-DECADENT GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH THE CHEEZY CAPRESE AT FO’CHEEZY TWISTED MELTZ

Think of this funky joint just across the street from Williams Park in downtown St. Pete as a “street to table” restaurant. The vibe is pure hip-hop, with rap music rattlin’ the walls and images of hip-hop legends everywhere—all bathed in bright colors. The menu offers more than a dozen grilled cheese sandwiches with names like Mac ’n Rib, That’s My Dawg and War Pig. To work the meatless tip, check out the Cheezy Caprese. Perfectly toasted sourdough houses buffalo mozzarella, provolone and whipped ricotta, plus tomato, pickled red

There are a lot of contenders for this crown, so here’s a reminder that this is one person’s opinion. That said, Pipo’s slays. For $6.95, you get a huge pile of succulent roast pig, with the ideal level of citrusy marination, along with mounds of black beans and yellow rice. You read that right: six dollars and ninety-five cents. Customers choose their items on a cafeteria line, so no waiting. The helping is so big that unless you’re inclined toward gluttony, you will bring a decent helping home with you. Pipo’s has definitely got its mojo workin’, serving grub that’s worth the drive out to Town ’N’ Country in Tampa. Keep an eye out for a humble green building on the north side of Hillsborough Avenue. piposhillsborough.com —ES

BEST CUBAN SANDWICH OUTSIDE OF YBOR CITY YBOR SPECIAL, BRINEHOUSE, SAFETY HARBOR

The same group that blessed us with The Dunedin Smokehouse directly salutes one of Ybor City’s specialties at The Brinehouse, an artisan-style eatery located in downtown Safety Harbor. The Ybor Special consists of a pork tenderloin marinated in garlic cumin, as well as sweet capicola, pepperoncini, a guava mustard aioli, baby Swiss, and of course, a few pickles

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that you can’t have a Cuban without. You can also choose from 12 different sides, including green goddess potato salad, gorgonzola mac and cheese, parmesan Brussels sprouts, and sidewinder fries. Basically, think of the curliest potato chips in the bag, just in french fry form. thedunedinsmokehouse.com —Josh

BEST DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER COME TO JESUS RESTORATION CAFE

Bradley

BEST CUSTOM STUFFED BURGER THAT DISAPPEARED WITHOUT FANFARE

THE JOB SITE BURGERS

Before COVID-19 vaccines were a thing, regulars to St. Pete’s Central Avenue were being pumped up for a new restaurant—dressed in an old comic-style mural—that would offer customizable stuffed burgers. Guests would be able to choose between beef, chicken, or veggie patties, pick from 16 different ingredients to have stuffed inside the meat, and of course, pile on a multitude of toppings. And if you want to eat your monstrosity on a pretzel bun or a waffle, then damn it, you could. Unfortunately, society just wasn’t ready for what The Job Site had to offer, and after a 21-month run, the joint closed its doors without any fanfare, other than a brief Facebook announcement last November. Though we have our memories of a pretzel bun holding together a burger stuffed with bacon, jalapeños, and maple-infused cream cheese, there’s still a burger-shaped hole in our hearts. —JB

The addition of The Sound music venue is making downtown Clearwater more attractive, but in the daytime, the district still feels like a Scientology stronghold. And while coming to Jesus doesn’t always work out for everyone (sorry, God!), Restoration Cafe—home of Blake Ferrell’s church on Sundays—is actually one of the district’s most-welcoming, cozier coffee places where you’re not overcome by the feeling that Xenu is just around the corner. rcclw.com —RR

BEST DOWNTOWN

TAMPA LUNCH WITH A SIDE OF DOLPHIN

HOTEL TAMPA RIVERWALK

They say workers don’t want to come back to the office. Give ‘em raises, more paid time off, and tell them there’s an opportunity to enjoy one of downtown Tampa’s most scenic, and air-conditioned, lunches. Tampa Riverwalk Hotel’s ground floor dining room has gigantic windows that let the light into the Rivers Edge restaurant, inviting guests to feast their eyes on denizens of the Riverwalk, plus the southern end of the Hillsborough River where dolphins regularly swim by. The menu isn’t overwhelming and you won’t go wrong with any of the entrees whether you’re going for

a responsible salad, snackable tacos or all-in for the -itis with one of the large sandwiches or burgers. hoteltampariverwalk.com —RR

BEST FALAFEL MIO’S GRILL AND CAFE

This small, cozy place in downtown St. Pete is owned and run by chef Bora Caliskan, a Turkish native. He opened it in 2019, naming it after his dog. The falafel, one of his specialties, has a dark-brown exterior crust, which gives way to innards that are a vibrant green. Crispy turns into moist. And these vegan nuggets don’t crumble, thank you. They sit atop a bed of aromatic white rice, with a side salad sharing the plate. Eating bad falafel can be like gnawing on tree bark. This definitely ain’t that. miosgrill.com —ES

BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY BREWERY WHERE YOU WON’T FEEL GUILTY ABOUT BRINGING THE KIDS COMMON DIALECT BEERWORKS

Sometimes, you bring a three-year-old to a “family-friendly” brewery and end up getting mean-mugged by your local New York, Nashville or California transplant tech bro on a Tinder date (sorry, man, she doesn’t like you anyway). Not at Common Dialect. Mike Conze’s lineup of libations—from the seltzer to the seasonal taps, clean Jedno Pivo Prosim lager, refreshing If Eagles Had Arms collab hazy and more—takes the parental edge off on first sip. And the atmosphere, well, regularly features kids (well-behaved whenever I’ve been there) playing on the turf’d patio while the adults—parents and the lucky ones—don’t even bat an eye. With food trucks regularly on site, the only thing missing are tiny beds where you can stow a little one when they’re ready for a nap. commondialectbeer.com —RR

BEST FAREWELL SCHMOO-HOO PIZZERIA GREGARIO

Pizzeria Gregario owner and one-man pizza machine Greg Seymour churched out made-toorder wood-fired pizza for over a decade. His “slow food” approach was borderline obsessive, with a commitment to using organic stone-milled grain, slow fermentation for dough (sans commercial yeast), all mixed by hand. The results were a stunning, charred-crusted pizza served al fresco and without fuss, making Pizzeria Gregario one of Safety Harbor’s most beloved local haunts. Regu-

lars will remember his signature “garlic schmoo” (garlic, olive oil, salt, lemon) for crust-dunking, but Seymour closed shop earlier this year, much to many’s dismay (occasionally, he bakes out of his homemade pizza oven at Sweetwater Organic Farm in Tampa). He said he’ll be back to practice his craft in November, “location to be determined.” pizzeriagregario.com –Arielle

Stevenson

BEST FROZEN ORANGE DESSERT THAT SOFT SERVE CAN’T DO JUSTICE BRIAN’S ICES

Brian Millsaps has been fascinated by desserts and pastries—specifically Italian ice—since visiting Patsy’s & Son Italian Bakery in Lindenhurst, New York as a kid, and has enjoyed visiting Tampa Bay since around the turn of the century. A few experiments with an at-home ice cream maker would lay the foundation for Millsaps’ Palm Harbor confectionery, equipped with 25, mostly fruity, water-based ice flavors, 13 creme-based ices, and an array of seasonal specials, all of which you can order in as large a quantity as a gallon, and as small as a kid cup to break your diet with. Mind you, these aren’t artificially-flavored ices, either. If you order the all-natural Florida Orange creambased ice, you’ll question how you ever unknowingly settled for creamsicles all your life. And if you get a scoop of the water-based watermelon to deal with the ungodly heat…that’s no Jolly Rancher you’ll be tasting. @briansices on Instagram —JB

BEST HOCKEY-THEMED DEEP DISH PIZZA FROM A TRAILER PUCKS & PIZZA

Christopher Schultz bases his one-man, deep dish pizza business in a trailer outside of T’s Market & Produce in Dunedin, and if your trust issues flare up at the idea of getting a deep dish from someone who isn’t actually from Chicago, fear no more. Pucks & Pizza—crossing Schultz’ lifelong love for hockey and, err, pizza—offers both thick and thin-crusted pies in small and large, made of in-house dough, freshly produced every day. There are also literal hockey pucksized mini pizzas available, where you can order up to two toppings for no more than $5 a pop. Hell, if you order three pizza pucks, that’s a hat trick right there. pucksnpizza.com —JB

BEST HOT POCKET ELEVENSES

No, V.M. Ybor bakery and coffee shop Elevenses isn’t an English-themed business, although

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BEST DOWNTOWN TAMPA LUNCH WITH A SIDE OF DOLPHIN HOTEL TAMPA RIVERWALK

TAMPA BAY’S

ICONIC OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE SINCE 1984

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owner Jade Yelvington absolutely loves a theme. From slice-of-life shows like “Gilmore Girls” to cult classics like “The Office,” there may be specialty, pop culture-themed bakes on Elevenses’ menu on any given week. My favorite Elevenses one-off is from its New Orleans-themed menu, which came to fruition after Yelvington received an incorrect order of cups headed for popular Nola chain PJ’s Coffee. Thank God she decided to run with the serendipitous mistake, because the Elevenses muffuletta “pop tart” is the best take on the Hot Pocket I’ve ever come across. Like the ubiquitous New Orleans sandwich, this savory pastry boasted beautiful layers of Italian meats, sharp cheese and tangy olive spread— all sitting neatly in Yelvington’s buttery, flaky dough. elevensesco.com —KF

BEST ICING ON THE CAKE THE PLAYLISTS AT ELEVENSES

Go to Elevenses for the cloud lattes, pastry case and cake slices, but stay for one of the new Ybor City cafe-bakery’s best qualities: the music. Founder-baker-barista Jade Yelvington told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that the selection—featuring early-aughts emo and indierock from bands like the Early November and Augustana—is a reflection of what she wants to hear in a cafe, but we’re here to tell you that the nostalgia trip is just about as comforting as the food and drink itself. elevensesco.com —RR

BEST INNOVATIVE AVOCADO TOAST (THAT MAKES FOR AN EXCELLENT MEAL)

FLATBREAD AND BUTTER

Wedged between a yoga studio and a juicery in an unassuming building in St. Pete’s boho Historic Uptown neighborhood, Flatbread and Butter turns out a colorful version of avocado toast, with pickled onions, heirloom tomatoes and plenty of seeds joining avocado mash on a big slice of sourdough. Non-vegans should get it with a poached egg, which enhances the dish’s delightful complexity. flatbreadandbutter.com —ES

BEST KARAOKE NIGHT WITH A SIDE OF CHICKEN FEET SAIGON NIGHT MARKET

The Saigon Night Market is not an event to attend with a closed mind. You have to walk into the

massive spread of vendors knowing that you may order something in a language you don’t speak and eat a classic dish made of unfamiliar ingredients. Organizer Lew Nguyen has been hosting the Southeast Asian street food market for a few months now, and what started as a casual, outdoor food hall has evolved into a true foodie and entertainment destination. Dozens of tents dish out their best Filipino, Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian and Chinese fare—from approachable dishes like barbecue on a stick, to specialty items such as chicken feet, tripe and balut (if you’re lucky). Constant karaoke in various different languages provides a reverb-filled, screeching background to enjoy your eclectic dinner in. @ saigonnightmarket on Instagram —KF

BEST LESS-THAN-MESSY REUBEN SANDWICH THE NOSH PIT

The Nosh Pit, on Tyrone Boulevard west of the mall, describes itself as a “Jew-ish” deli. It’s clean, orderly and well-lit, all traits reflected in the Reuben: plenty of corned beef and sauerkraut, but all of it tidily tucked into toasted rye, which is sliced precisely down the middle. It’s the kind of Reuben you can easily pick up and eat and without having to worry about meat dropping onto your lap or Thousand Island dressing and pickled cabbage juice running down your arm. This sandwich is delicious, too, with a superb blend of flavors, and with corned beef that isn’t overly fatty. For neatness sake, best to order the Reuben “stuffed” rather than “super-stuffed.” thenoshpitstpete.com —ES

BEST LOCAL LIGHT BEER IN A CAN THREE DAUGHTERS’ BEACH BLONDE ALE

Craft breweries, locally and elsewhere, tend to take pride in developing complex beers—be they heavy, fruity, syrupy, puckery, what have you. But some of us—most of us, I suspect— want stuff that tastes like … beer. That’s Beach Blonde Ale, which is tad bolder than, say, Bud Light, and has a whole lot more character. You can easily drink more than one BBA. Hell, you can drink a half dozen if you’re so inclined. (Try that with a chocolate stout.) You can get this easy-drinking brew in cans on most local store shelves. Even better: It’s available on draft in many restaurants. Also: kudos to the sly pun in the name. 3dbrewing.com —ES

BEST MANHATTAN (WITH AN URBANE AMBIENCE)

CW’S GIN JOINT

This swanky place in downtown Tampa is not what you’d ordinarily characterize as a “joint.” A doorman lets you into a capacious, warmly dark room with a long bar. The bartender makes a show of mixing your choice of rye or bourbon (or a blend of both), along with sweet vermouth and bitters in a small pitcher, then pouring it into a chilled cocktail glass. The result is decadent nectar. Not too sweet, not harsh, with a seductive bite. cwginjoint.com —ES

BEST MICHELIN CONTENDERS LOOKING EAST ACROSS THE BAY

Sadly many restaurants on the west side of the Bay who deserve Michelin street cred were not considered because Visit St. Pete-Clearwater was not part of the group that lured the famous guide to our region. There’s no secret that The Restorative has long been my No. 1, but I’ve also flipped over the craft and imagination at Lingr, The Black Pearl, Il Ritorno, Urban Stillhouse and the new kid, Allelo, who delivered a Michelinquality dish when I judged for Savor St. Pete. I look forward to the guide expanding across the Bay one day where these (and others) consistently deliver balanced dishes with the surprise that marks a Michelin meal. —JPC

BEST NEW ITALIAN IN GULFPORT TOMMY’S HIDEAWAY

A few blocks from Pia’s on Beach Boulevard, this newcomer to Gulfport’s Italian culinary landscape has attracted its own fanbase, thanks to a welcoming staff, delicious wood-fired pizzas, easy-on-the-pocketbook prices, and homey dishes just like Nana used to make (you gotta try her linguini and meatballs). Gregarious owner Tom Lussiano and his wife and co-owner, Larisa Curbelo, are refugees from the world of chain restaurants, and they have a genuine passion for customer service that makes diners feel immediately at home. tommypizzapub.com —DW

BEST NEW OLD-TIME FISH SHACK MULLET’S FISH CAMP & MARKET

BEST MEAT SWEATS BYOB BOOZY PIG

The lunch menu at The Boozy Pig’s W Cypress Avenue location can make your insides do summersaults of happiness. There’s a Friday hot dog bar, plus a handful-and-a-half of sangwiches (yes, say it with the accent) made up of both Tampeño classics (mixto, if you know, you’re a native) and tributes to grandpa (The Giuseppe, an Italian sausage special). And while there are salads on the offering, an afternoon at The Boozy Pig is best for indulging your glutinous impulses, which is why the spot is also the perfect place to bring your own six-pack so that you can properly prep for the meat sweats with the bevvy of your choice.

@theboozypig on Instagram —RR

True to both the haircut and the fish, Mullet’s embodies the “business in the front, party in the back” ethos with excellent seafood (as well as much-praised wings) served on the front porch and in the big, colorful backyard tiki bar, where you can chow down at picnic tables and listen to bands on the outdoor stage. A great addition to South St. Pete. mulletsfishcamp.com —DW

BEST NEW RESTAURANT ON 4TH STREET OAKS ON 4TH

Oaks on 4th, which opened late last year in St. Pete in the former home of Quickie’s BBQ, carries an elite culinary pedigree; it’s the second restaurant from the owners of Bascom’s Chop House.

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BEST LESS-THAN-MESSY REUBEN SANDWICH THE NOSH PIT

THENOSHPITSTPETE/FACEBOOK

Oaks’s cuisine and ambience are in keeping with the tradition of fine dining, great steaks and attentive service that distinguish that Ulmerton mainstay, but even though Oaks is a white-tablecloth restaurant, its otherwise rustic decor and brightly hospitable welcome make it anything but snooty. It’s a great date-night spot as well as a hit with the ladies who lunch, and the seasonal menu is chock full of treats, including a Kahwa coffee-crusted ribeye, a masterful meatloaf, and delicious chargrilled oysters. oakson4th.com —DW

BEST NEW WHISKEY COCKTAIL ERIN GREEN, HAVEN, ‘OFF TO THE RACES’

Best of the Bay-winning bartender Erin Green blew the Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot crowd away with a scrumptious, complex cocktail called “Off to the Races”—complete with a galloping equine garnish as a tribute to Woodford Reserve’s horse country connections. Over a huge crystal clear logo ice cube in a low ball cocktail glass she mixed: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon, Lillet Rouge apéritif, Giffard crème de cacao white, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and topped it with grated nutmeg (see the online version of this award for the recipe). For me, the lemon juice’s acidity magically brightens the entire concoction. Sadly, as the designated driver, I had to turn down a second round. @erinm_green on Instagram —JPC

BEST NEW YORK PIZZA BY THE SLICE (PINELLAS) JOEY BROOKLYN’S

The hole in the wall on the north-facing side of St. Pete’s Jannus Landing block turns out deliciously legit slices. They come out hot on simple paper plates. Let it cool a sec, pick it up, fold it lengthwise (mandatory) and chomp that end bite. Mmmm. The crust is thin but not crispy; the cheese and sauce meld perfectly. The slices are agreeably greasy, but not so much that you’ll ruin your shirt. Shit is fuckin’ awesome, man. Fuggetaboutit! joeybrooklynsfamouspizzakitchen.com —ES

BEST PIÑA COLADA PIER TEAKI, ST. PETERSBURG

This piña colada was simply just the best I’ve ever had. The flavors were balanced and bold. Plus the texture was just perfect without any stray bits of ice. The rum was vivid but both the coconut and pineapple were discernible. And the serving

was huge. Of course, it’s just an opinion, but I rarely have a cocktail that makes me stand up and take notice. This one did. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that the view back toward the St. Pete skyline is bound to impress your Northern visitors. thebirchwood.com —JPC

BEST PLACE TO EAT YOURSELF TO DEATH ALL ALONE MAZZARO’S PATIO

Mazzaro’s is a wonderland, and anyone who’s gone through the rite of passage of taking a number there knows it. But the patio there is something special, too. On the best days, a breeze blows through gates, and there’s a certain amount of space afforded to anyone who takes a seat at one of the black chairs. I usually take my solo meals in the comfort of my car, but being a glutton on the Mazzaro’s patio feels safe, like no one is judging, and that we’re all in it together. So next time you see me with two sandwiches and deli spread, plus dessert, know that I am happy, and feel free to join me, too. mazzarosmarket.com —RR

critics picks • food & drink

to the community that offers guests a specialty coffee menu, an assortment of fresh pastries and a full bar, along with a sprawling patio and free WiFi. Next time you need a break from your WFH setup, stop in to see what all the “buzz” is about. hoochandhive.com —JD

BEST PLACE TO SEE A DRAG QUEEN AND A VETERAN SHARING JELLO SHOTS

AMERICAN LEGION SEMINOLE POST 111

It’s refreshing when people can come together for a good time despite differences that could potentially spark controversy, especially in today’s political climate. Seminole Heights’ American Legion on N Florida Avenue has continuously proven itself to be a safe place for anyone and everyone to imbibe in harmony— which may come as a surprise to folks who expect a local veteran bar to be filled with resentment towards nontraditional lifestyles. The Legion has hosted several successful events by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Tampa’s branch of the global organization that uses wit and humor to expose bigotry and make haters feel guilt and discomfort. We’re here for it! @seminolepost111 on Facebook —JD

BEST PRICEY FISH TACOS THAT COME WITH A WATER VIEW FRESCO’S WATERFRONT BISTRO

young with limited funds, so I turned to Julia Child’s “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” and began a multi-decade obsession. Before too long my discretionary funds increased and Michelin star meals became possible; I was lucky to be able to travel to the world’s great vineyards and eat at dozens of starred restaurants over the years. After a decade as CL’s food critic, I knew the region had plenty of great food, but that diners generally embraced casual dishes, so that Michelin stars were doubtful. The inaugural guide last year followed my instincts, but this year Koya, Lilac, and Rocca entered the realm of stars and many worthy Tampa chefs got a nod in the guide. Michelin is still the ultimate culinary imprimatur and Tampa has arrived. —JPC

BEST ROADSIDE CLOUT BURGER BURGER CULTURE, TAMPA

ELEVENSES

BEST PLACE TO HAVE AN OFF-CAMERA BLOODY MARY WHILE WORKING REMOTELY HONEYCOMB CAFE AT HOOCH AND HIVE

We’re not advocating you drink on the clock, but let’s be honest, sometimes we can all use a little sumpin’ sumpin’ to help us get through the work day. Honeycomb Cafe, located in Hooch and Hive on W Cass Street, is a fairly new addition

You might get a sudden case of sticker shock— thirty bucks … for fish tacos?—but as it turns out, that’s not highway robbery in 2023. Three mondo-tacos come in metal stalls. The blackened grouper is both flaky and moist, with a hearty flavor that’s not the least bit “fishy.” The meat is topped with a fetching mixture of corn, lettuce, onions, feta cheese and a mild sauce. Get these tacos with fries—they’re terrific. Fish tacos can sometimes be more snack than meal. These are definitely the latter. Fresco’s, at the entrance of the St. Pete Pier, looks out over the Municipal Marina, so you can indulge in some boat envy while you eat. frescoswaterfront.com —ES

BEST REGIONAL FINE DINING NEWS MICHELIN STARS FOR TAMPA

Even before I had any idea that I might become a food critic, I was curious about fine dining. I was

No one’s denying how well social media ads work, but Burger Culture mastered the art of it around the turn of the decade. The food trailer formerly installed right outside a former Harley Davidson shop (and now located at a freestanding location in Lutz) regularly Instagrams shots of its burgers that go as high as six patties (which you can technically order, but isn’t recommended), with ingredients you never thought would go well with an 8-oz. patty. For one thing, Burger Culture’s secret menu includes a “716” burger, topped with buffalo chicken, blue cheese, and bacon. A few specialty items use alternate buns, such as donuts, waffles, grilled cheese sandwiches, and even fried ramen. If you’re not feeling like a burger, there’s also a vast selection of cheesesteaks, hot dogs, and of course, grilled cheese sandwiches available. But while you can’t really go wrong here, let’s be real: You don’t drive out to Giordano’s for just a salad, now do you? @burgerculturetampa on Instagram —JB

BEST SANDWICH OF THE MONTH UPTOWN EATS

The Carolina Barbecue Sandwich was perfect in every way: South Carolina-style pulled pork on Texas toast with a fried egg, bacon, mustard slaw and pickled red onion—yes! But that was August’s Sandwich of the Month. Be sure to follow Uptown’s social media accounts to be sure you don’t miss out on its September offering. Or October’s. Or any one of the upcoming 12 months, because you will be sorry you missed them, we guarantee. Then again, order anything at Uptown Eats and you will not be disappointed. uptowneatsstpete.com —DW

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BEST SAVORY CRÊPES THE WOODEN ROOSTER

Crêpes are one of those dishes that we—most of us, at least—would do well to eat more often. And an excellent place to start is The Wooden Rooster, across from Sundial in downtown St. Pete. The restaurant’s interior oozes rustic charm, perhaps because crêpes are the house specialty. The Rooster serves sweet and savory crepes. A standout is the Monsieur, a simple blend of black forest ham, Swiss cheese and béchamel inside a thin, velvety pancake, folded into a triangle. The smokiness of the thick stack of meat plays against the tartness of the cheese and the béchamel’s sly sweetness. It’s an ample-sized crêpe. Dare you not to demolish it in one sitting. thewoodenrooster.com —ES

BEST SHANKING SUNDA’S CRISPY PATA

Actor and restauranter Billy Dec opened the third location of his restaurant Sunda in Tampa earlier this year, continuing its reputation for stylish Asian-fusion eats that his concepts in Chicago and Nashville have been boasting for years. Sunda’s curated menu stands up against its beautiful, tropical-themed dining room, with dishes just as sleek and modern as its interior design. The Midtown Tampa restaurant offers a variety of sushi rolls, bao buns, dumplings, noodles and entrees, but its stand-out dish is certainly its crispy pork pata—an ode to Dec’s Filipino heritage. The massive pork shank is presented in a vertical, “osso bucco” sort of style with a side of garlic vinaigrette. The massive hunk of meat is confited and then deep fried–creating a fall-off-the bone tenderness. Sunda might be a beautiful restaurant in a sleek part of town, but it won’t stop me from devouring crispy pork and steaming white rice with my bare hands. Napkin please? sundanewasian.com —KF

BEST SMOOTHIE THAT MIGHT MAKE YOU GO VEGAN

NANA’S JUICE BAR

Certainly some of the best-looking folks that have ever graced the cover of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, we showcased the crew over at Nana’s Juice Bar and Restaurant just a few months ago. While we highlighted owner Anisa Mija and the expansion of her Ybor City-based concept, there weren’t enough words dedicated to its range of health-conscious, plant-based fare. From walnut-based empanadas and papa rellenos, to its ever-changing “meal of the day,” Nana’s menu continues to surprise its loyal

customers. Our personal favorites include its coconut-based mac and cheese, Dominicanstyle pastelon and tempura broccoli bites. Even when a dangerous grease fire put Mija out of commision for a few days earlier this year, it didn’t stop the 28 year-old chef and owner from making Nana’s one of the historic district’s most beloved gems. To say it was the recovery of a lifetime would be an understatement. @nanas_ ybor on Instagram —KF

BEST SPIRITED WHISKEY HOST NATE WILSON, BERN’S WINE & SPIRITS

Woodford Reserve’s master distiller Chris Morris, is the Tom Brady of bourbon. And last November’s Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot (WTF) dinner, at a dream-like evening that’s been an annual highlight from the Bern’s family of restaurants, he appears larger than life—like the Wizard of Oz. Morris was to appear from behind the curtain, in the flesh, to lead a unique event: tasting five of his limited edition Master’s Collection whiskies paired with a cavalcade of gourmet dishes. Unfortunately, Hurricane Nicole had other ideas, making Morris’s flight with his WR team from Kentucky horse country impossible. But never fear. Bern’s mastermind behind it all and generous Director of Spirits, Nate Wilson, was

undeterred and Morris led the tasting by Zoom. bernssteakhouse.com —JPC

BEST TASTE OF THE ROCKIES IN A BEACHY STATE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SUBS, PALM HARBOR

The hidden slice of Colorado’s capitol actually started out in Morrison, Colorado back in 2007, under a different name. Owner Laszlo Varga—born and raised in the Mile High State—soon developed a craving for a more beach-friendly environment, which led to a move to Florida with his wife and business partner Jill late last decade. Despite the self-described “unorthodox hours’’ (closed Sunday-Tuesday), Rocky Mountain Subs—which is relocating as you read this—runs heavily on rotating daily specials, which include traditional green chili (made in-house with duroc pork) as well as a baked “Colorado Cuban,” and a Reuben on a pumpernickel sub roll. Oh, and you can’t forget the ski difficulty signs on display, among other state-related posters and props. rockymountainsubs.com —JB

BEST THICC CANNOLI GREEK CANNOLI, HELLAS BAKERY

Historically, cannolis originate from Italy. But Hellas Restaurant & Bakery—a 53-year-old family-run establishment in the heart of the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks—is known for going above and beyond with its pastries. Even if you’re not in the mood for saganaki or a gyro, the bakery section, which is designed like a 1950s-style diner, sells well over 50 types of cookies and pastries (and a wide array of ice cream and baklava), including both traditional Italian and Greek cannolis. The latter is made with a puff pastry, and filled with a sweet cream cheese blend, topped with whipped cream and a cherry. As if the gyros—surely the greatest in Tarpon Springs, and probably all of Florida— aren’t thicc enough. hellasbakery.com —JB

BEST TWIST ON A TRADITIONAL GROUPER SANDWICH BLACKENED GROUPER REUBEN, SKIPPER’S SMOKEHOUSE

It’s been over a decade since this take on the classic was nationally recognized by Travel

Channel star Adam Richman on “Man v. Food,” but the savory goodness remains the same. The juicy blackened grouper pairs perfectly with swiss cheese and sauerkraut, all sandwiched between grilled marble rye and accompanied by coleslaw, a side and a pickle. If you haven’t been to Skippers since it reopened post-pandemic, this is your sign to give this locally loved music venue and restaurant a revisit. skipperssmokehouse.com —JD

BEST WALK-UP WINDOW IN YBOR RENE’S MEXICAN KITCHEN

Chef Valenzuela gave everyone who lives in North Ybor a true treat when he opened the first brick and mortar of Rene’s Mexican Kitchen earlier this year. An extension of the popular Seminole Heights food truck and catering business of the same name, he specializes in bringing quality ingredients and personal interpretations of regional Mexican cuisine directly to taco-loving Tampeños. The Rene’s menu has tacos, tortas and burritos for everyone and every dietary restriction—from expected offerings like carnitas, al pastor and chorizo to vegan options like butternut squash and hard-to-find dishes like huitlacoche aka “corn smut,” an edible fungus with an earthy and sweet flavor. When driving down E 17th Avenue soon, you may see some of my neighbors walking by with a brightly-colored quart container of Rene’s kiwi-pineapple agua fresca in their hands. @Renesmexicankitchenofficial on Facebook —KF

BEST WHISKEY DINNER HAVEN, WOODFORD RESERVE WITH CHRIS MORRIS

Best of the Bay-winning Chef Chad Johnson and his crew of culinary alchemists produced a Michelin-quality meal to exquisitely match five WR Master’s Reserve bourbons. Imagine creamy ocean-kissed sea urchin with a crispy king crab roll, plus earthy thread-like soba noodles swathed in cold-brewed soy with just a grace note of wasabi. Or an ethereal emulsion that manages a ratio of 60% potatoes to 40% butter, with just a touch of lemon topped with a firm filet of lightly smoked sturgeon blanketed with glistening caviar cream. Then, a tender pork rib surrounded by shredded hog’s head meat and wrapped “en crepinette’’ with caul fat casing followed by a tender dryrubbed elk loin embraced by shredded savoy cabbage, braised in sweet carrot juice and accompanied by an earthy porcini mushroom cream sauce. Lastly, diminutive chocolate goat cheesecakes garnished with a sliver of port-poached pears and hazelnuts. Nirvana. haventampa.com —JPC

BEST SPIRITED WHISKEY HOST NATE WILSON, BERN'S WINE & SPIRITS

WHISKEYTAMPAFOXTROT/FACEBOOK

BEST ALL WALKS OF LIFE, BUT MAKE IT DANCE NEW HEIGHTS DANCE ACADEMY

Tampa Heights has long been a neighborhood in renaissance, and there’s even more positive energy on the corner of Florida and Floribraska Avenues thanks to New Heights Dance Academy where owner-director Cassie Plumridge has assembled a dedicated team of energetic instructors who not only teach a wide range of classes from beginner to advanced levels of ballet, jazz, tap, choreography and much more, but also create an inclusive space for folks of all ages (seriously). newheightsdancetampa.com —Dave

Decker

BEST BOOZY BUS RIDE SUNRUNNER

Whether you’re planning a day at the beach or just want to check out different parts of town, Pinellas County’s SunRunner is your ticket to ride. With a route that spans roughly 10 miles and at least one additional station in the works, the SunRunner opens up countless local businesses to people that may not have had easy access to them in the past. It’s a great way to save money on an Uber and help alleviate traffic by taking more cars off the road—and utilize a low-cost designated driver to hit all the bars and restaurants on the route, too. psta.net —Jourdan

Ducat

CLEANEST YOGA STUDIO YOGASIX

For almost three years now, YogaSix has been a go-to yoga studio for all of St. Pete. Not only because of the mix of six meditative and rigorous classes but also because YogaSix is so frickin’ clean. The floors, the bathrooms, the changing room, the lobby. Not only do the walls sparkle but it also smells so fresh and so clean. And the Eucalyptus scented towels at the end of every class are absolute icing on the Nothing Bundt Cakes that you can periodically smell through the neighboring walls when you’re in a downward facing dog. @ yogasix_stpetersburg on Instagram —Kate

Oberdorfer

Owner/artist Kim Vorperian started Bodhi Basics a decade ago out of her friend’s living room. She makes awesome soaps and skincare products, and is never afraid to make changes to her business in order to stay authentic to her vision (and not sell out to The Man). After moving a few times to different storefronts in downtown St. Pete, Vorperian recently decided to close her storefront and work out of her home to reduce overhead and make more time for her art. Vorperian still makes soaps but also offers incense, body balms, and most recently, fresh herbs from her Florida farm. Bodhi Basics is a stellar example of how artists can stay tight with their local community, make kickass products while avoiding a high price point, and allow their brand to evolve right along with them. bodhibasics.com —Resie Waechter

BEST HAIRAPIST (FOR THE CURLS)

MICHELLE AT NUMBER 9 SALON

Let’s face it: life with curls ain’t easy. It ain’t easy in the real world, and it definitely ain’t easy in Florida where the humidity creates this situation where the curls grow so big and so ugly that they barely make it through doors and must never ever be photographed. Enter Michelle at Number 9 Salon in St. Pete. Michelle cuts curls by the book of Ouidad™ and distracts you from your own hair with stories from her road trips and dog, Basil, plus tips on where to buy the best beer, wine and of course, dairy free cookie butter creamer. She stands behind you through the thick but also the nightmarishly and frightening thin, and when your hair leaves her chair, it’s better equipped to deal with that Florida air and anything else that life throws at its way. number9salon. com —KO

BEST HELPING PEOPLE FLY IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE GYPSEA AIR

Aerialists fly, it’s what they do. One studio in Tarpon Springs takes it beyond the silks, yoga and circus arts by also inviting in anyone who wants to swing, drop or even meditate in asanas. GypSea instructors are always mentoring and instructing folks at every level, and that can make you feel like the sky’s not the limit, but only the beginning. gypseaair.com —DD

BEST MARKET TO HELP YOU STOP BUYING SO

BEST CONSTANTLY EVOLVING SKIN CARE CULTIVATOR, ARTIST, AND ALL-AROUND COOL-ASS CHICK KIM VORPERIAN, BODHI BASICS

living skincare changes to After in decided time also recently, Basics kickass with Waechter ain’t this so Enter Miand stories tips on course, stands when equipped else yoga who asanas. and inmake the

critics picks • goods & services

MUCH DAMN SINGLE-USE PLASTIC SANS MARKET

Ever feel like recycling is great, but you’d rather not purchase so many plastic products in the first place? Help is here—like, right here in Tampa Bay. Sans Market is a “zero waste lifestyle store” that sells a variety of bath, body, and menstrual care products, household cleaning products, incense, perfume, and more. Customers can bring their own container to fill, grab a free (clean) used container off the shelf, or purchase a container for repeated use. Sans is owned by Eniko Olah and Lin Hales, two women who met in Tampa in eighth grade, and started to expand and offer locally-grown produce and food items. sans.market —RW

BEST PLACE TO GET STABBED PLANTAS AND TINTA

Having a metal rod shoved through different body parts is rarely an enjoyable experience, but it’s always up to the piercer to make you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible. After years of straight up bad service and creepy ass dudes with ulterior motives, I stumbled upon Jess Martin, the last piercer I’ll ever work with. Martin— the brand new mother of a baby girl— pierces out of a cutely-decorated cubicle in the back corner of Plantas and Tinta, a woman-owned tattoo shop in West Tampa. She’s a true professional in her craft and approaches piercing with the same enthusiasm and meticulousness as a doctor or dentist—someone who just exudes a pure passion for what they do every single day. Not only does Martin hook you up with a pleasant body modification experience and high quality jewelry, she helps each client discover what their own style is when it comes to which piercings, metals and colors compliment you the best. @ gildedlotusfl on Instagram —Kyla

Fields

BEST PLACE TO ELEVATE YOUR FLORIDA FORMALWEAR BIB ‘N TUX

This South Tampa tux shop offers high end attire that’s customized for Florida’s scenery and climate, such as color palettes that compliment various native backdrops and breathable fabrics like linen. The third generation-run business, helmed by Ash Dudney (full disclosure: Ash has contributed photos to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay), has found a unique way to stay true to its history of bespoke offerings while maintaining a sense of humor, as is evidenced

by the various wildlife artifacts and high-end liquor bottles artfully displayed throughout. Python skin cufflinks and hats made in-house adorned with gator bones play nicely with the noir lounge feel of the shop, which definitely makes this anything other than your average formalwear experience. bibntux.com —JD

Don’t let its unassuming exterior deter you— Tampa’s Shangri La Spa & Sauna is the best place to relax on a budget. For $35, guests have access to its various amenities, but can add different spa services or a delicious Korean meal from its restaurant for an additional price. While its decor and services are bit dated (especially if you’ve been to glossy Korean

BEST PLACE TO SWEAT YOUR ASS OFF ON PURPOSE

SHANGRI LA SPA & SAUNA

spas in bigger cities), its hot tub, steam room, clay and salt saunas, and cold plunge tub will have your skin and muscles feeling a decade younger. At first, it may be uncomfortable to overcome Shangri-La’s nude-only rule in its wet spa areas, but we promise that no one will look at you weird for being in your birthday suit.

Of course, blue and pink uniforms are worn in the dry saunas and common areas. Whether you’re looking to relax with a massage or fullbody scrub or just want some alone time away from your daily routine, Shangri-La offers the ultimate way to relax without paying any outrageous prices. We highly recommend getting the mandu-guk soup, kimbap and spicy rice cake stir fry from the Shangri-La’s onsite Korean kitchen, too. shangrilasauna.com —KF

BEST PLANT STORE TO VISIT WHEN YOU WANT A PICK-ME-UP LIDA’S JUNGLE PLANTS

Lida’s started as a small plant shop that shared space with another local business on Central Avenue in St. Pete. It’s done super well and grown enough to expand to a much bigger spot nearby. Walking into Lida’s is instantly calming to the senses; the shop is full of unique and awesome plants, a build-your-own-terrarium bar, and all-around good feels. The back area has a path that winds around native plant beds, pollinator gardens, and plants you won’t find at the larger nurseries and plant shops around town. Recent example: The other day, I stopped by on my way home for a little pick-me-up, and walked out with my hands full of something called a Dutchman’s Pipe vine, which was covered in swallowtail butterfly eggs—feeling excited, rejuvenated and hopeful once again. lidasjungle.com —RW

BEST PRICE TAGS, LITERALLY WENDY’S CLOSET

Walk into Wendy’s Closet and you will be greeted by a smiling staff member eager to answer your questions and give you a tour of one of the best consignment experiences in all the land. The store is packed floor to ceiling with wearable treasures from the decades and a mapped rack of Florida sports merchandise. But what really sets Wendy’s Closet apart (other than Wendy herself) are the price tags. Wendy hand writes every single tag and tells you exactly how she feels about the jewel that you are holding in your hand. These tag descriptions range from “adorable!” to “an absolute staple” to “really fucking cute”. And the prices ain’t too bad either. @ wendyscloset_oncentral on Instagram —KO

BEST STOCKING STUFFERS PICKFORD’S SUNDRIES

An institution on W Hillsborough Avenue for

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BIBNTUX

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more than seven decades, the Pepto Bismolpink lunch counter took on new life when David Hansen of Seminole Heights’ Urban Bungalow teamed up with Pickford’s original owners, bringing with him his wittily-curated assortment of never-knew-you-needed-this items like Lord Phartwell’s Whoopee Cushion and “I’m A Delicate Fucking Flower Bubble Bath.” Plus, you can check out glass cases of vintage goods from the counter’s early years and marvel at the prices on vintage signage (“Polident: Cleans False Teeth Without Brushing, 7 oz., 59 cents”). And Pickford’s is still serving up delicious sandwiches and shakes. pickfordssundries.com

Warner

BEST UPBEAT BOUTIQUE PAGEBOY

To get a taste of the irresistible aesthetic of Pageboy, the tiny gift shop/antiques boutique/ beauty salon/apothecary/plant store tucked away in a parking lot off 5th Avenue N in downtown St. Pete, check out their Insta page. The adorable duo that runs the place, Chicago expats David and Jason, host a podcast called OOHBoy that is equal parts zany and informative—like their hurricane episode that began with the boys wailing “It’s Raining Men” and ended with tips on keeping sane during a weather emergency. The couple’s mutual affection and happy attitude imbues the store, where you can snag everything from vintage glassware to a snazzy new haircut. pageboystpt.com —DW

BEST USED BOOK WAREHOUSE ON A BUDGET BOOK RESCUERS, PINELLAS PARK

I’m still pretty bummed about Bananas Records’ retail location scaling down its once-massive used book supply. Luckily, this hole-in-the-wall warehouse, tucked away into a crevice of Pinellas Park makes up for everything. Having opened last November, Book Rescuers houses what is described as “one mile of shelving” containing over 80,000 lightly used books—including a special section of those that have been banned at the front of the store—being sold from anywhere between $1 and a whopping *squints* $8. A selection of DVDs, CDs, and vinyl are also available for $1 apiece, kids can get a free book on Sundays, and teachers get 50% off of everything all day, every day. @TheBookRescuers on Facebook and Instagram —Josh Bradley

BEST VET, PAWS DOWN EDGE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Edge Animal Hospital leads pet owners away from the edge, since every pet parent knows the significance of a good vet. We need a vet we can trust, a vet we can call after hours to ask about allergens in Florida, a vet where we may ask a vet tech to stay in our home to care for our fur babies whilst we travel. For all this and more, Edge Animal Hospital is it. The Edge support staff is friendly and helpful, the location superb and Edge’s exterior mural is also one of the best in the Bay. Not to mention the veterinarians at Edge Animal Hospital are authentic, gentle,

responsive and absolutely one of a kind. What a gift. edgeanimalhospital.com —KO

BEST WAY TO GET FROM BEACH TO ‘BURG WITHOUT A CAR (IF YOU’RE NOT HOMELESS) SUNRUNNER

Driving sucks, and since last October, folks didn’t have to do it if they were trying to get from the ‘Burg to the beach. The SunRunner offered free rides and was supposed to do so until next

month—until elected officials in St. Pete Beach started complaining about homeless riders. After Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority CEO Brad Miller proposed charging a small fee in hopes of “reducing the number of homeless individuals who are using it to access the beach,” the PSTA board elected to start charging a fare one month ahead of schedule. Advocates for the working class and homeless cried foul, and it’s a shame that such a successful transit effort had to end its first year of existence by giving into a tired old narrative about our neighbors who don’t have a home. psta.net —Ray Roa

BEST WAY TO GET FROM BEACH TO 'BURG WITHOUT A CAR (IF YOU'RE NOT HOMELESS) SUNRUNNER

CITYOFSTPETE/FLICKR

BEST ART HAUND AUGY AT TEMPUS PROJECTS

Shop dogs. They’re the best thing about anywhere, and on the second floor of the Kress Collective in Ybor City there is a nine-year-old very good boy that is the most art-literate, dapper furball in town. His owner, Tempus Projects founder Tracy Midulla, says Augy is a lab-pit mutt mix, and he can be found almost always at her side, sometimes just sitting in a chair and staring into the ether (listening?) as life at one of the city’s most exciting new venues buzzes around him. “Best dog I’ve ever known,” Midulla told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. One of the best, for sure. tempus-projects.com —Ray

BEST BEACHY MAYOR RUNNING FOR COUNTY COMMISSION IRB’S JOANNE “COOKIE” KENNEDY

BEST CROSSWORDS FOR A CAUSE MARIE HALEY, VOICES OF HOPE FOR APHASIA

Roa

There’s lots of talk of late about career politicians and term limits—that we need common sense citizens embedded in their community. Regular folks who have their ear to the ground. Well, how about a salon owner—that perennial location where friends go to find out local gossip and to vent? Indian Rocks Beach first realized that Cookie Kennedy was this unicorn in 1999 when she was elected to the IRB city commission. She’s now in her third term as mayor and IRB has a million bucks in the bank. “We need an authentic person who understands being a small business person, raising a family, putting food on the table, and creating relationships and partnerships that enhance the quality of life for all our citizens.” —Jon

Palmer Claridge

BEST BREAKOUT JACK FROM SUNCOAST PRIMATE SANCTUARY

For someone who writes, the prospect of losing one’s words is terrifying, but it’s a common occurrence for stroke survivors. Doctors diagnose about 200,000 people a year with aphasia, a condition that affects a person’s ability to process language. The condition results from damage to the portion of the brain that processes language, and it’s not something one can simply recover from. Speech therapy helps, but it’s expensive and it’s not a cure.For those who can afford it, speech therapy helps them maintain the ability to communicate with loved ones. And for those who can’t, there’s Voices of Hope for Aphasia. The nonprofit provides individuals with free aphasia speech therapy. It also provides them with a community of folks to practice their speech with in a non judgemental setting. Though it’s free to visit for people with aphasia, it’s not free to run an organization like this, which is why Voices of Aphasia is lucky to receive support from community members like Marie Haley. Haley donated a stack of crossword puzzle books by her late husband, Merl Reagle, to benefit the cause. She also connected Voices of Aphasia with contemporary crossword puzzle writer Patrick Berry, who created a custom crossword puzzle for the organization’s wildly successful inaugural Crossword Puzzle Gala, in which it doubled the fundraising goal. vohaphasia.org —JR

BEST HURRICANE FINE ART LANGSTON TAYLOR, TAMPA BAY TIMES

Black-capped capuchin monkey Jack spent a day in the Palm Harbor wilds after escaping from Suncoast Primate Sanctuary last November. During that time, Jack experienced one of Pinellas County’s finest assets, the Pinellas Trail. That’s where Jack ran into local cyclist Natani Daehne, who filmed the encounter and sent the footage to the Tampa Bay Times. Suncoast Primate Sanctuary handlers weren’t far behind. They captured Jack the next day when another cyclist flagged them down. According to Suncoast Primate Sanctuary board member Nancy Nagel, the six-pound monkey was never a threat to anyone on the trail. Truth be told, we were kind of rooting for the little guy to enjoy a few more days of freedom. spsfi.org —Jennifer

Ring

This is actually an award for how dialed in the Tampa Bay Times newsroom was in the runup to, arrival and aftermath of Hurricane Idalia. Times staffers were on it and covered the storm better than anyone locally, but its Data Editor Langston Taylor gets extra credit. His byline appeared on “Track Tropical Storm Idalia’s path in Florida,” a seemingly innocuous, informational post about the storm that came with a graphic that looked like, well, something. Readers chimed in with feedback like “labia of uncertainty” and “Idalia Majora.” One user said, “I should call her.” The image of our wet ass peninsula was taken off social media, but it lives on via the Times website. The storm, thankfully, mostly spared our neck of the woods, and we now have some nice art to remember that week when we all got a little more wet than we’d expected. @langstonitaylor on the social media network formerly known as Twitter —RR

APHASIA losing ocdiagnose aphasia, that something one helps, those them loved Voices provides therapy. It folks to judgemental with like lucky members husband, also Berry, inaugural doubled the the runup to, Times better Langston appeared on Florida,” a about looked with “Idalia

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critics picks • people, places & politics

BEST HURRICANE ‘HUNKER-DOWNER’ ABC ACTION NEWS’ PAUL LAGRONE

Carrying on in the tradition of the original “Hunker Down” man, ABC Action News’ legendary Don Germaise, reporter Paul LaGrone stood his ground in the eye of Idalia just as it passed through Perry, Florida. As gusts increased, trees shuddered and debris flew around him, he nevertheless remained in the storm and on the line with the station’s chief meteorologist—and perennial Best of the Bay winner—Denis Philips, who could hardly contain the exhilaration in his voice as he realized that LaGrone’s team was scoring the ultimate bullseye hurricane footage. Later, LaGrone also scored some touching interviews with refugees from Keaton Beach who were taking shelter in a Perry hotel. @PaulLaGroneABCActionNews on Facebook —David Warner

BEST LIBRARY TO WATCH SOUNDCHECK CLEARWATER MAIN LIBRARY

The four-story library has a new neighbor right across the way. Coachman Park’s long-awaited concert venue The Sound finally opened on June 28, and the bandshell faces directly towards Clearwater Main’s west-facing windowed area. The third floor—which includes a massivelywindowed workspace—is of a perfect height to catch a glimpse of both the waterfront and the stage, so if soundcheck is happening while the library is open (closing time is 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and it’s closed entirely on Sunday), you’ll basically have access to a part of live music that can’t really be seen for larger gigs in Tampa Bay (other than Florida Strawberry Festival). All this isn’t to say that what you hear will be crystal clear, but it’s cooler to actually see what’s going on, as opposed to just trying to listen into the muffled sound system while moseying around the new Coachman Park. myclearwater.com —Josh Bradley

BEST MODERN MARVEL EUGENIE BONDURANT

Some folks think that all the hi-rises and urban excellence awards are a sign that the Bay area has made it. But really, the should look at Eugenie Bondurant, who last fall made a big splash not just as a Balenciaga model but as an actress in “Fear of Rain” and “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” but most notably as Azarel in Marvel Studios’ “Werewolf By Night” on Disney+. She supports the local scene (just ask La

Luchaween organizers who asked her to emcee the film and music getdown), too. And while she gets typecast as a bad guy, she’s known to be one of the nicest people in town. @ eugbondurant on Instagram —RR

BEST MOVERS AND SHAKERS ON THE MOVE CAFE CON TAMPA

For the better part of the last half-decade, Cafe con Tampa staged its weekly meeting of movers and shakers at Oxford Exchange, but something changed during last spring’s municipal election. The speaker-networking series relocated to Willa’s just a mile away, and had to move again four months later when the NoHo restaurant decided to start offering breakfast. Cafe con Tampa seems to have settled into its new come at The Portico in downtown Tampa where it now spends early Friday mornings (8 a.m.!) bringing together civic-minded Tampeños for spirited discussion about how to be a better citizen for this city we all call home. cafecontampa.com —RR

BEST NATIVE SON MARIO NÚÑEZ

Mario Núñez is the kind of guy who can tell you where the West Tampa Sandwich Shop of Carrollwood is (Cafe Caribe), and he can wax nostalgic about nearly every era of Tampa lore without scratching his head. He’ll also argue with you about the phrase “Tampa Bay” and fight like hell to redesign Tampa’s municipal flag (sorry, Mario, I like it!). Núñez’s greatest strength, however, is how he can make you fall in love with the 813 via his television program, “The Tampa Natives Show,” which airs on Tampa Bay Arts & Education Network, and then ruffle feathers on the “Down and Dirty” Friday morning WMNF public affairs program he co-hosts with former Tampa City Councilman John Dingfelder and local politico Jason Marlow. At 65-years old, Núñez has seemingly lived enough life for three Tampeños, and the city would be in great hands if there he had a protege or three waiting in the wings. tampanativesshow.com —RR

BEST OLD NEIGHBORHOOD MADE NEW AGAIN WATER STREET TAMPA

No longer will we pop into Tampa’s Channelside District pre-game and wonder what the hell we’re going to eat. Not since Strategic Property Partners turned the sleepy Channelside District into the vibrant new Water Street Tampa neighborhood. Now, there’s a visible stream of people walking from Sparkman Wharf to Amalie Arena moments before the Tampa Bay Lightning take the ice. And Sparkman Wharf was

just the tip of the Channelside redevelopment iceberg. The waterfront neighborhood now has over a dozen fine-dining and moderately-priced restaurants where you can grab dinner before the game. Options include the French Bistro, Boulon Brasserie; The Tampa Edition’s Michelinstar restaurant, Lilac; Proper House Group’s elevated sandwich shop, Lunch Lady; modern Japanese restaurant Noble Rice; The Pearl; and Wagamama. And don’t get me started on all the ice cream options. There are four—Bright Ice, Chill Bros. Scoop Shop, Hampton Chocolate Factory, and Jeni’s Ice Creams. And it’s all within 16 blocks. waterstreettampa.com —JR

CENTER FOR HEALTH EQUITY

Changing our world into a more equitable place won’t be easy. It will take a movement, and a movement takes conversation and collaboration. St. Pete’s Center for Health Equity provides a place for those conversations and collaborations to form. Healthcare workers and social workers from around the Tampa Bay area converged on The Center when it opened in January 2023 to discuss how we can come together to ensure Tampa Bay’s POC have equal access to healthcare and jobs. Good health and the means to make a living form the foundation of this American life. Without them, a person doesn’t stand a chance, and everyone deserves a chance in life. healthystpete.foundation —JR

BEST PUBLIC SERVANT NOT ON THE TAXPAYER DIME ROBIN LOCKETT

BEST ONE-STOP SHOPPING FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS

CASA FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER

Before CASA’s Family Justice Center opened in October 2022, a domestic violence survivor might shuttle between more than a dozen places to get help in Pinellas County—social services, the police station, the State Attorney’s office, and a medical center to treat injuries. Rather than having to take a week off work to drive all over Pinellas County, domestic violence survivors can now travel straight to the Family Justice Center in St. Pete, which offers medical care, child care, counseling, legal services, and more to domestic violence survivors all in one place, free of charge. casapinellas.org —JR

BEST PLACE TO HAVE COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS ABOUT RACE

Before she ran for city council, Robin Lockett was already a constant presence at Tampa City Hall advocating for housing and oft-forgotten Tampeños. Then she ran for the District 2 seat last spring and made it to a runoff where she earned 38% of the vote against a very popular incumbent. The thing about Lockett, a Regional Director at Florida Rising, is that right after her loss, she was back at city hall, raising her voice for the people who simply don’t have the opportunity to speak up for themselves. In the latest battle over the 2024 budget, when council rejected the mayor’s proposed millage increase, Lockett was there advocating for housing above all. Last week, council voted for a revised budget that sends an estimated $12 million toward housing. “Everyone knows I’ll come down and be mean to you when needed,” Lockett told council after the vote. “But today, I want to come up and thank you for putting housing on the forefront.” Thank you, Robin, for looking out. voterobinlockett.com —RR

BEST QUIETLY KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER FEEDING TAMPA BAY

Hunger is everywhere, and with the rising cost of everything, food insecurity’s face looks more and more familiar everyday. Via its massive pantry and many, many programs and special fundraisers, nonprofit Feeding Tampa Bay not only helps put food in the hands of countless families, but implores those with higher means to do more to help their neighbors. Feeding Tampa Bay’s mission is to end hunger in Tampa Bay, and if everyone does a little to that end,

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BEST NATIVE SON MARIO NÚÑEZ

RAY ROA

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it has a fighting chance of getting there. feedingtampabay.org —RR

BEST REFINED RE-DO THE VINOY RENOVATIONS

Promo materials for the new-look Vinoy Resort & Golf Club (now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection) say the goal was to give the interiors a more “refined” look, and the reality lives up to the hype. Previously, the lobby was a garish PoMo hodgepodge, an apparent attempt to channel early-’90s Philippe Starck. The Rockwell Group redesign has calmed down the space, creating inviting, wood-paneled seating areas with olive and beige upholstery while retaining the grandeur of the cypress-beamed ceilings and ceramic- tiled entry hall. The veranda has also benefited from a refresh, still the city’s best perch for people-and marina-watching in comfy rocking chairs over cocktails (if you can bear the $22 price tag for a “Spanish” G&T ). vinoyclub.com —DW

BEST SCARY GOOD STEWARD OF THE WOODS NICOLE BRAND

In 2021, activists demanded that the University of Florida cancel its Request For Information about developing the USF Forest Preserve—a gingerbread man-shaped, roughly 500 acre patchwork of wetland and sandhill habitat on the northeastern side of the school’s Tampa campus. It was an aggressive campaign that eventually saw the RFI canceled and USF president Steve Currall resign soon after. Roughly one year ago Nicole Brand arrived at USF after six years with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, and became the school’s first-ever Director of the Environmental and Conservation Outreach, Research, and Education—or ECORE—System. She is the steward of not just the preserve, but also the school’s GeoPark and Botanical Gardens. Brand unpacked the history of the spaces and now works with students and state agencies to build the infrastructure for the Forest Preserve and work towards a land management plan that includes, among other things, prescribed fire. She will need funding going forward, but the future looked scary for the preserve 2021—and now, with Brand at the helm, things actually look scary good. usf.edu —RR

BEST SHINY NEW PLAYTHING TAMPA EDITION

Last October during a press conference ahead of his hotel’s grand opening, Edition Hotels Cre-

ative Director Ian Schrager told reporters that he doesn’t view luxury as exclusionary, adding, “I see it accessible for everybody… “If somebody didn’t feel welcome there, it wouldn’t be successful.” Price tags at the hotel and its many food and drink concepts had me skeptical, but after multiple visits for work and pleasure, it turns out Shrager was spot on. Despite its luxuriousness, Tampa Edition is a welcoming place for the well-heeled and well-watered trickling out of Amalie Arena after a concert. Reservations are hard to come by at Lilac, yes, but even chef John Fraser has opened up certain dining slots exclusively for local hospitality workers who pay a discounted price to experience Michelin-starred hospitality and cuisine. Every staff member at the five-star hotel is warm and beyond helpful, and while there are some folks who’ll definitely never set foot in the establishment that’s reset the palette and flavor of local culture, Tampa’s shiny new plaything is a welcome, well, addition. editionhotels.com —RR

BEST SPOT TO OPENLY WORK ON YOUR LAPTOP (PINELLAS)

URBAN GROUNDS, TARPON SPRINGS

The place on Tarpon Avenue where a Greek grill and pizzeria once stood now encases one of Pinellas County’s niftiest coffee shops, complete with an indoor balcony, free Wi-Fi, and even a selection of beer, wines, and mimosas. Pastries and coffee beans are both made in-house, and everything else that isn’t, such as cut-daily sandwich meats and teas, are all locally sourced. And, unlike most other indie coffee shops you see, Urban Grounds is open until 5 p.m., so you can have your avocado toast and iced latte for an early dinner, you damn millennial. urbangroundsfl.com —JB

BEST SUPPORT FOR AMERICA’S FASTEST GROWING SPORT ST. PETE PARKS & REC

The sport in question—in case you’ve been living in an ashram outside of Mumbai—is pickleball, which has run into some major problems of late. The thwacks that result when paddles hit perforated plastic balls create quite a racket, and that has led residents near outdoor courts to protest and file lawsuits (I know of only one lawsuit locally—in St. Pete) as well as prompt at least one hunger strike (in Canada). These folks have legitimate complaints. And there’s at least one obvious solution: move the games indoors. City of St. Petersburg rec centers like Roberts, Gladden, Walter Fuller, Shore Acres, JW Cate and others host indoor pickleball play that covers

every day but Sunday. Several of these facilities, and others, also have outdoor courts, but kudos to the ‘Burg for at least providing plenty of (airconditioned) alternatives. Now if Parks & Rec would do something about the gym floors being so dirty they’re like skating rinks. (Disclosure: I play indoors only, and am glad to not be part of the problem.) stpeteparksrec.org —Eric

MARINA DISTRICT

Snider

BEST URBAN FARM AND EDUCATION CENTER THE URBAN HARVEST

I used to believe that Florida was horrible for growing anything but palm trees and sand dunes. Every time I tried to plant something, it seemed to sizzle in the scorching sun in a matter of minutes. Earlier this year, though, I learned about The Urban Harvest, which educates people on how to grow edible gardens year-round in the Sunshine State. Elise Pickett runs this one-woman show, operating out of her family’s little urban homestead in sunny St. Pete. Pickett offers seasonal garden tours, workshops and classes on how to start a garden, what to grow (and when) in Florida, how to raise chickens, and more. A seasonal seed club membership gets you seeds every quarter for guaranteed variety and confidence you’re planting the right things at the right times. theurbanharvest.com —Resie Waechter

BEST URBAN VISIONARIES

STEVE KORNELL, RICK KRISEMAN AND INVENTORS OF THE SKYWAY

They had a dream, and boy did it seem farfetched. But years before the Skyway Marina District was formed in 2013, visionary folks like City Councilman Steve Kornell, Mayor Rick Kriseman, and far-sighted city planners and business leaders saw the potential of the ticky-tacky stretch of 34th Street between 30th and 54th Avenues S. A decade later, there’s still plenty of ticky-tacky, but there are also huge, gleaming apartment complexes, a renovated marina, a rebuilt Publix, a new Fifth Third bank branch and plenty more development underway—even including affordable housing. skywaymarinadistrict.org —DW

BEST WAY TO FIND MONEY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING STEPHANIE POYNOR

Elected officials and city staff probably shudder when they see Stephanie Poynor come to the dais at Tampa City Council meetings. Poynor, the President of Tampa Homeowners Association of Neighborhoods and member of several citizen boards, is a glutton for combing through the hundreds (thousands?) of pages of boring, but important, city documents. Last fall, as the city debated the 2023 budget, she found $5.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that were sitting in solid waste. After pointing it out to city staff and council, the mayor’s Chief Of Staff John Bennett acknowledged Poynor’s discovery and said, “we know that there’s $5.5 million in ARPA sitting in solid waste.” What would we do without her? @SOGfighter on the social media network formerly known as Twitter —RR

BEST REFINED RE-DO THE VINOY RENOVATIONS

MARRIOTT

ARTS

BEST ACTOR

JEFFERY WALKER III

Finalists: Sam Sobel, Matthew McGee

BEST ACTRESS

LARA GREENE

Finalists: Kelli Vonshay Henderson, Summer Bohnenkamp

BEST ART GALLERY (NON-MUSEUM)

DUNEDIN FINE ART CENTER

Finalists: Florida Craft Art, Fairgrounds St. Pete

BEST ART PARTY TRASHY TREASURES AT DUNEDIN FINE ART CENTER

Finalists: Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Preview Party, Wearable Art at Dunedin Fine Art Center

BEST BOOK BY A LOCAL AUTHOR

‘PERFECTLY QUEER’ BY JILLIAN ABBY

Finalists: ‘Ybor City: Crucible of the Latina South’ by Sarah McNamara, ‘Florida Hustle’ by Paul Wilborn

BEST CERAMICIST

KIMBERLI CUMMINGS

Finalists: Charlie Parker, Allie Case

BEST CLASSICAL MUSICIAN

MELISSA GRADY

Finalists: Rose Mallare, Christopher Barbosa

BEST COMMUNITY THEATER COMPANY (UNPAID CAST AND PRODUCTION)

EIGHT O’CLOCK THEATRE

Finalists: St. Petersburg City Theatre, Center Stage

BEST DANCER

MALA (FIRE FAERIALIST)

Finalists: Kelly Stalnaker, Adrianna Finocchi

BEST FASHION DESIGNER

DEZEE RAE COMBS /GEMINI GIRLZ

Finalists: Helena Beetle, Artemis & Aphrodite/ Kelli-Lynn

BEST FILM FESTIVAL

GASPARILLA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (GIFF)

Finalists: Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Tampa Bay Screams

BEST FILMMAKER

VICTORIA JORGENSEN

Finalists: Lynn Marvin Dingfelder, Tyler Riggs

BEST GALLERY

(NON-MUSEUM) SHOW

CHAD MIZE’S SPACE, ‘SAY GAY’

Finalists: Fairgrounds St. Pete’s ‘Shrimp Xfinity’, SKIN Art Show

BEST INSTRUMENTALIST

NATE NAJAR

Finalists: Violinist Andrew Michael Polo, Keemba on the drums

BEST JAZZ ENSEMBLE

RUTH ECKERD HALL CLEARWATER JAZZ HOLIDAY JAZZ BAND

Finalists: Derrick Williams, Straz Jazz Project

BEST LITERARY JOURNAL

TAMPA REVIEW

Finalists: Neptune Poetry Magazine - St. Petersburg, Arts Coast Magazine

BEST MUSEUM

THE DALÍ (SALVADOR

DALÍ MUSEUM)

Finalists: The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg

BEST MUSEUM EXHIBIT

‘BLACK PIONEERS’ - THE JAMES MUSEUM

Finalists: ‘Where Ideas Come From: Dalí’s Drawings’, ‘The Mummy’ - St Pete History Museum

BEST OPERA COMPANY

ST. PETERSBURG OPERA COMPANY

Finalists: Tampa Bay Opera, Opera Tampa

BEST PERFORMING ARTS

CENTER

STRAZ CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Finalists: Ruth Eckerd Hall, The Mahaffey

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

WILLIAM POWELL

Finalists: Christine Drewitt Photography, Andrea Wood Photography

BEST PLAYWRIGHT

BOB DEVIN JONES

Finalists: Natalie Symons, Deborah Bostock-Kelley

BEST POTTERY STUDIO

MOREAN CENTER FOR CLAY

Finalists: The Hive St Pete, Sugar Cream Clay

continued on page 146

CHADMIZE/FACEBOOK

BEST PROFESSIONAL THEATER COMPANY (PAID CAST AND PRODUCTION)

STRAZ CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Finalists: American Stage, Jobsite Theater

BEST PUBLIC ARTWORK

ST. PETE MURALS

Finalists: Flamingo at Tampa International Airport, 1937 Antifascist Women’s March Mural by Michelle Sawyer and Sarah McNamara

BEST SPOKEN WORD ARTIST

NOVACANE

Finalists: Gemini Fox Poetry, Stephanie Jackson, Dennis ‘DRod the POET' Rodney

BEST STAGE DIRECTOR

DAVID JENKINS

Finalists: Ryan Bintz, Tony Gilkinson

BEST TATTOO ARTIST

NICK HARRISON AT DOOM CLUB

TATTOO

Finalists: Skip Sampson at 1603 Tattoo Co., TJ Hal at Doom Club Tattoo

BEST THEATER PRODUCTION

‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’

AT CENTER STAGE

Finalists: ‘Dracula’ at Jobsite Theater, ‘9 to 5 the Musical’ at Eight O’Clock Theatre

BEST VISUAL ART CURATOR

CATHERINE BERGMAN

Finalists: Chad Mize, Julie Haura Art + Design

BEST VISUAL ART FESTIVAL

GASPARILLA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Finalists: SHINE mural festival, Mainsail St Pete

BEST VISUAL ARTIST

CHAD MIZE

Finalists: Abstractartcanvas- Paul Michael, Humm.ngbird (Steve Brown)

ENTERTAINMENT

BEST BAND

CROSSFIRE CREEK BAND

Finalists: MiniM, The Shakes Society

BEST BLUEGRASS BAND

APPLEBUTTER EXPRESS

Finalists: Boxcar Hollow, The Wandering Hours

BEST BURLESQUE ACT

YBOR CITY SIRENS

Finalists: Femmes and follies at the saint, Sheba Queen of the Night

BEST CELEBRITY

CHARITY EVENT

MIKE ALSTOTT CELEBRITY

OUTDOOR WEEKEND

Finalists: Mutts and Motors Adoptable Pet Fashion Show, Mike Evans Family Foundation Gala

BEST CHOREOGRAPHER

LYLA RUTH

Finalists: Mackenzie Scheu, Jordan Williams

BEST CLUB DJ

DJ SKEELOW

Finalists: DJ Sandman,Tom Gold

BEST CONCERT (LARGE, OVER 2,000 CAPACITY)

TAYLOR SWIFT’S ERAS TOUR

Finalists: Luke Bryan, The Cure

BEST CONCERT (SMALL, UNDER 2,000 CAPACITY)

CROSSFIRE CREEK BAND

Finalists: Girls Rock St. Pete, Kind Villain Live at Crowbar

BEST CONCERT PROMOTER

FACE MELT

Finalists: No Clubs, Brokenmold Entertainment

BEST COUNTRY ACT

SOUL CIRCUS COWBOYS

Finalists: The Bearded Brothers Band, Blackwater Jack Band

BEST COVER BAND

THE DANNY BUB COMBO

Finalists: CrossFire Creek Band, Disasterpiece

BEST DANCE CLUB

COCKTAIL ST PETE

Finalists: Blur Nightclub, Phoenix Lounge

BEST DANCE COMPANY ST. PETERSBURG BALLET COMPANY

Finalists: The Dance Company Trinity, at Innovative Studios, LLC, Best Dance Company, Tampa City Ballet

BEST DRAG EVENT

BLUR SUNDAY BRUNCH

Finalists: Enigma Drag Show, Mx St. Pete Pride Pageant

BEST DRAG PERFORMER

ADRIANA SPARKLE

Finalists: Brianna Summers, Alexis De La Mer

BEST EXPERIMENTAL ACT

ED’S SHED

Finalists: Bangarang, Violinist Andrew Michael Polo

BEST JAM BAND STICK AND DITTY

Finalists: Uncle Johns Band, The Shakes Society

BEST KARAOKE

CORNER BAR & GRILL

Finalists: Blur Nightclub, CJ’s On The Island

BEST KARAOKE DJ

BRAD AT COCKTAIL

Finalists: Will Blackshear, Deejay Chris Kennedy

BEST LARGE CONCERT VENUE (2,000-PLUS CAPACITY)

JANNUS LIVE

Finalists: Amalie Arena, Ruth Eckerd Hall

BEST MAGICIAN

CORY VAN VALIN MAGICIAN

Finalists: Antwan Towner, Dewayne Hill

BEST METAL/HARDCORE BAND

HEAVEN’S GATE

Finalists: SUPERMUTANTHUMANSKIN, Walled City

BEST MORNING TV SHOW

GOOD DAY TAMPA BAY

Finalists: Good Morning Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Morning Blend

BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

GASPARILLA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Finalists: Reggae Rise Up, 97X Next Big Thing

BEST MUSIC SCHOOL (INSTITUTIONAL/ACADEMIC)

SCHOOL OF ROCK

BEST CONCERT (LARGE, OVER 2,000 CAPACITY)

Finalists: Blake High School,USF School of Music

BEST FAMILY PERFORMER

CHAS COLLINS

Finalists: Crossfire Creek Band, Beamon Battie

BEST FASHION EVENT

WEARABLE ART

Finalists: Cocktails and Couture, Ink Lace fashion event

BEST HIP-HOP ACT

FRESH P

Finalists: Jon Ditty, Swell Rell

BEST IMPROV TEAM

TAMPA IMPROV

Finalists: Fre$h P, Spitfire Comedy Club

BEST MUSIC SCHOOL (NON-ACADEMIC)

GIRLS ROCK ST. PETE

Finalists: Tampa Fine Arts Academy,USF Community Music Project

BEST OPEN MIC NIGHT (COMEDY)

SIDE SPLITTERS COMEDY CLUB

Finalists: Tampa Improv, Smoken Words

BEST OPEN MIC NIGHT (MUSIC)

SMOKEN WORDS

Finalists: Dunedin Brewery, Ruby’s Elixir

BEST OPEN MIC NIGHT (POETRY)

SMOKEN WORDS

Finalists: GrowHouse First Mondays, Jazzy Cat Cafe and Lounge

TAYLOR SWIFT’S ERAS TOUR continued on page 149

PHIL DESIMONE

BEST ORGANIZED BIKE RIDE

DUNEDIN BIKE RIDE TOUR

Finalists: SMART Ride, Casual Tuesday Ride

BEST PLACE TO BOWL PIN CHASERS

Finalists: Dunedin Lanes, Splitsville

BEST PLACE TO PLAY POOL

PEABODY’S RESTAURANT, BAR & BILLIARDS

Finalists: Strokers Bar & Billiards, Stix Billiards

BEST PODCAST

THE MOSH JELTON SHOW

Finalists: Tampa Bay Nightlife TV, The Lazy Ass Podcast

BEST POP ACT

KIND VILLAIN

Finalists: Shevonne, Electric Soul Therapy

BEST PRO SPORTS TEAM

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Finalists: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays

BEST RADIO SHOW

THE MOSH JELTON SHOW

Finalists: Drew Garabo Live, The Mike Calta

Show

BEST RADIO STATION

102.5 THE BONE

Finalists: WMNF 88.5,98 Rock

BEST RECORD LABEL

SYMPHONIC DISTRIBUTION

Finalists: Hillsboro Records, Derlie Records

BEST RECORDING STUDIO

ZEN RECORDING

Finalists: Clear Track Recording Studios, Morrisound Recording

BEST REGGAE/SKA BAND

UNDERCOVER RASTA

Finalists: Jah Movement, Hip Abduction

BEST RELEASE BY A LOCAL BAND

‘THIS IS NOT A LOVE SONG IT’S A CRY FOR HELP BY KIND VILLAIN

Finalists: ‘Something ‘bout the Rain’ by Chas Collins, ‘What Goodbye Looks Like’ CrossFire Creek Band

BEST ROCK BAND

KIND VILLAIN

Finalist: Disasterpiece

BEST ROOTS/ALT-COUNTRY ACT

HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL

Finalists: The Urbane Cowboys, Rebecca Pulley & the Reluctant Prophets

BEST SINGER/SONGWRITER

CHAS COLLINS

Finalists: Ev V Frederick of Kind Villain, Class Vee

BEST SINGLES HANGOUT

COCKTAIL ST PETE

Finalists: CJ’s On The Island, American Social

BEST STRIP CLUB

2001 ODYSSEY

Finalists: OZ Ladies and Gentlemen’s Clubs, Mons Venus World Famous Nude Strip Club Tampa

BEST TRIVIA COMPANY

TIMELESS ENTERTAINMENT

Finalists: Trivia Nation, The Original Bandingo Music Bingo

BEST TV STATION

FOX 13

Finalists: Bay News 9, ABC Action News

BEST UNDERGROUND

CINEMA EVENT

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE

SHOW AT GIGGLEWATERS

Finalists: Hell on Heels Rocky Horror Picture Show, Movies at Screen Door: An Ybor City Microcinema

BEST VOCALIST

BEAMON BATTIE - CROSSFIRE

CREEK BAND

Finalists: Ev V Frederick of Kind Villain, Derrick Williams

BEST WEEKLY CLUB NIGHT

CASTLE FRIDAYS

Finalists: Ruby’s Elixir Family Funk Sundays, Old Dirty Sundays at Crowbar

FOOD

BEST ACAI BOWL

SOHO JUICE CO.

Finalists: Grain and Berry, Raining Berries

BEST SMALL CONCERT VENUE (UNDER 2,000 CAPACITY)

CROWBAR

Finalists: Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Skipper’s Smokehouse

BEST SOUL/R&B/FUNK ACT

THE BLACK HONKEYS

Finalists: K-Luv and the United Funk Foundation, Shevonne & The Force

BEST STAND-UP COMEDIAN

DEWAYNE HILL

Finalists: Johnny B, Rick Stepinsky

BEST STAND-UP COMEDY VENUE

SIDE SPLITTERS COMEDY CLUB

Finalists: Improv Comedy Theater, Snappers Grill & Comedy Club

BEST ALL-AROUND RESTAURANT

RED MESA RESTAURANT

Finalists: Olivia, Rocca

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT

YUMMY HOUSE

CHINA BISTRO

Finalists: Hawkers Asian Street Food, Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen

BEST BAGELS

ST. PETE BAGEL CO.

Finalists: Pete’s Bagels and General Store, Clearwater Bagels

BEST BAKERY (BREAD)

MAZZARO’S ITALIAN MARKET

Finalists: La Segunda Bakery, Alessi Bakery

BEST BAKERY (PASTRIES)

MAZZARO’S ITALIAN MARKET

Finalists: Alessi Bakery, Valhalla Bakery

BEST BANH MI

LA V - VIETNAMESE FUSION

Finalists: Saigon Deli, Bamboozle

BEST BARBECUE RESTAURANT

THE DUNEDIN SMOKEHOUSE

Finalists: Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, Big John’s Alabama BBQ

BEST BARGAIN RESTAURANT

TRIP’S DINER

Finalists: La Teresita Restaurant, The Joint

BEST BEACH RESTAURANT

FRENCHY’S

Finalists: Salt Rock Grill, Salt Shack on the Bay

BEST BOTTLE SHOPPE

JUG & BOTTLE DEPT.

Finalists: CellarMasters Wine Bar and Bottle Shop, Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe

BEST BRANDON RESTAURANT

THE STEIN & VINE

Finalists: Vine Vegan, Bootleggers Brewing Co

BEST BREAKFAST

BACON STREET DINER

Finalists: The Corner Skillet, Cafe & Grill

BEST BREAKFAST SANDWICH

BACON STREET DINER

Finalists: Ubuntu Food Truck, Pete’s Bagels and General Store

BEST BRUNCH

MARKER 39 FLORIBBEAN CUISINE

Finalists: Noble Crust, Datz

BEST BURGERS

GIGGLEWATERS

Finalists: Engine No. 9, El Cap Restaurant

BEST CAJUN RESTAURANT

CAJUN CAFE ON THE BAYOU

Finalists: Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen, WalkOn’s Sports Bistreaux - Tampa (Midtown)

BEST CHARCUTERIE

MAZZARO’S ITALIAN MARKET

Finalists: So Couterie FL, On Swann

BEST CHEF

CHRIS PONTE, OLIVIA

Finalists: Chad Johnson, Bern’s; Jeffrey Jew, Lingr

continued on page 151

BEST PRO SPORTS TEAM TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

BEST CHICKEN SANDWICH

PDQ

Finalists: King of the Coop, The Brinehouse

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

YUMMY HOUSE CHINA

BISTRO TAMPA

Finalists: Zom Hee Chinese Restaurant, Ha Long Bay Restaurant

BEST CLEARWATER RESTAURANT

BACON STREET DINER

Finalists: Frenchy’s, Clear Sky on Cleveland

BEST COOKIES

BAKE’N BABES

Finalists: Valhalla Bakery, Bassano Cheesecake

BEST CUBAN COFFEE

LA SEGUNDA

Finalists: Columbia Restaurant, La Teresita Restaurant

BEST CUBAN RESTAURANT

COLUMBIA RESTAURANT

Finalists: La Teresita Restaurant, Bodega on Central

BEST CUBAN SANDWICH

COLUMBIA RESTAURANT

Finalists: Bodega on Central, La Segunda Bakery

BEST CUPCAKES

WRIGHT’S GOURMET HOUSE

Finalists: Valhalla Bakery St Pete, The Cake Girl

BEST DATE RESTAURANT

MELTING POT SOCIAL

Finalists: On Swann, Bella’s Italian Cafe

BEST DESSERTS

BOULON BRASSERIE

Finalists: Bassano Cheesecake, Mazzaro’s Italian Market

BEST DEVIL CRAB

BROCATO’S SANDWICH SHOP

Finalists: Carmine’s Restaurant & Bar - Ybor, Happy’s Bayou Bites

BEST DINER

MAMAS KITCHEN

Finalists: Lenny’s Restaurant, Bacon Street Diner

BEST DOUGHNUTS

HOLE IN ONE DONUTS

Finalists: Fray’s Donut House, Cosmic Donuts

BEST DUNEDIN RESTAURANT

THE BLACK PEARL

Finalists: Caracara, The Living Room

BEST EGGS BENEDICT

BACON STREET DINER

Finalists: Benedict’s Restaurant, Cassis St. Pete

BEST FISH & CHIPS

CRICKETERS BRITISH PUB & RESTAURANT DUNEDIN

Finalists: Jacks London Grill, Bacon Street Diner

BEST FRENCH RESTAURANT

MISE EN PLACE

Finalists: The Black Pearl, Boulon Brasserie and Bakery

BEST FRIED CHICKEN

KING OF THE COOP

Finalists: Southern Fresh, Noble Crust

BEST GATOR DISH

CAJUN CAFE ON THE BAYOU

Finalists: Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Gators Dockside

BEST GOURMET MARKET

MAZZARO’S ITALIAN MARKET

Finalists: Nature’s Food Patch Market & Café, The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions

BEST GREEK RESTAURANT

ACROPOLIS GREEK TAVERNA

Finalists: Hellas Restaurant & Bakery, Psomi

BEST GRILLED CHEESE

FO’ CHEEZY TWISTED MELTZ

Finalists: Gigglewaters, Bacon Street Diner

BEST GROUPER SANDWICH

THE TIDES SEAFOOD MARKET & PROVISIONS

Finalists: Dockside Dave’s, Hookin’ Ain’t Easy

BEST GUACAMOLE

RED MESA CANTINA

Finalists: Casa Tina - Healthy, Fresh, Authentic Mexican, VIP Mexican American Cuisine

BEST HEALTH FOOD MARKET

NATURE’S FOOD PATCH MARKET & CAFÉ

Finalists: Rollin’ Oats Market & Cafe, The Fresh Market

BEST HOT SAUCE

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

CURRY LEAVES INDIAN CUISINE

Finalists: Twisted Indian, Gateway to India

BEST IRISH PUB

FLANAGAN’S IRISH PUB

Finalists: Four Green Fields, O’Keefe’s Tavern

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT BELLA’S ITALIAN CAFÉ

Finalists: Pia’s Trattoria, Olivia

BEST KEY LIME PIE

MIKE’S PIES INC

Finalists: JJ Gandy’s Famous Key Lime Pie, Ulele

BEST LATE-NIGHT RESTAURANT TACO BUS

Finalists: Dead Bob’s Too, Engine No. 9

BEST LOBSTER ROLL GOT LOBSTAH?

Finalists: Lucky Lobster Co., Bar Fly Safety Harbor

BEST LOCALLY-MADE SELTZER

3 DAUGHTERS BREWING

Finalists: Big Storm Brewing, Marker 48 Markerade

BEST MAC ‘N’ CHEESE GIGGLEWATERS

Finalists: Golden Dinosaurs, The Dunedin Smokehouse

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT CASA TINA - HEALTHY, FRESH, AUTHENTIC MEXICAN

Finalists: Red Mesa Cantina, VIP Mexican American Cuisine

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT

BABA ON CENTRAL

BEST FOOD FESTIVAL

SAFETY HARBOR WINE FESTIVAL

Finalists: Taste of St. Pete, Rib Fest

BEST FOOD POP-UP

SHISO CRISPY

Finalists: Nah Dogs vegan hot dog cart, 3 Dot Dash

BEST FOOD TRUCK

SHISO CRISPY

Finalists: Gigglewaters, Ubuntu Food Truck

BEST FOODIE INSTAGRAM

ACCOUNT

@PANDEMICFOODIE

Finalists: @thisbabeeats, @eatlocalflorida

FLORIDA MAN HOT SAUCE

Finalists: Marker 39 Floribbean Cuisine, The Dunedin Smokehouse

BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT

BIRCH & VINE - THE BIRCHWOOD

Finalists: Oystercatchers - Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood - Seminole Hard Rock Tampa

BEST ICE CREAM / GELATO / FROZEN YOGURT

STRACHAN’S ICE CREAM & DESSERTS

Finalists: Plant Love Ice Cream, The Revolution Ice Cream Co.

Finalists: Byblos, Istanbul Mediterranean Grill & Market

BEST NEW RESTAURANT BACON STREET DINER

Finalists: Good Intentions, Ponte Modern American

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

FRENCHY’S ROCKAWAY GRILL

Finalists: Ulele, Salt Shack On The Bay

BEST PAD THAI

LEMON GRASS THAI KITCHEN

Finalists: Nitally’s Thai Mex, Jasmine Thai Restaurant

continued on page 153

BEST GROUPER SANDWICH THE TIDES SEAFOOD MARKET & PROVISIONS

BEST PALM HARBOR RESTAURANT

THE LUCKY DILL DELI

Finalists: Ozona Blue Grill, Mystic Fish

BEST PASCO RESTAURANT THE LIVING ROOM

Finalists: Zim Zari, Stonewater Grill

BEST PIZZA

MADISON AVENUE PIZZA

Finalists: Cappy’s Pizza, The NONA Slice House

BEST POKE RESTAURANT

PACIFIC COUNTER

Finalists: Island Fin Poke, Fish Bowl Kitchen

BEST RAMEN

BUYA RAMEN

Finalists: Wooden Ladle, Doodle Noodle Bar

BEST RIBS

MIGHTY QUINN’S BBQ

Finalists: The Dunedin Smokehouse, Wicked Oak BarbeQue

BEST SAFETY HARBOR

RESTAURANT

GIGGLEWATERS

Finalists: Marker 39 Floribbean Cuisine, The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions

BEST SALAD BAR

NATURE’S FOOD PATCH MARKET & CAFÉ

Finalists: Crisp & Green, Fred’s Market

BEST SANDWICH THAT’S NOT CHICKEN, CUBAN OR GROUPER

MAZZARO’S ITALIAN MARKET

Finalists: The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions, Golden Dinosaurs

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

THE TIDES SEAFOOD MARKET & PROVISIONS

Finalists: Hookin’ Ain’t Easy, Oystercatchers

BEST SEMINOLE HEIGHTS

RESTAURANT

ROOSTER & THE TILL

Finalists: Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe, 3 Dot

Dash Vegan Kitchen

BEST SERVER (NON-BARTENDER)

HOLLY - GIGGLEWATERS

Finalists: Meredith Allen - Gigglewaters, Dylon

Luce - Pisces Sushi

BEST SMOOTHIES

ROLLIN’ OATS MARKET & CAFE

Finalists: SOHO Juice Co., Nature’s Food Patch

BEST SOUP

NATURE’S FOOD PATCH MARKET & CAFÉ

Finalists: Stone Soup Cafe - St Pete, Bern’s Steak House

BEST SOUTH TAMPA RESTAURANT ON SWANN

Finalists: Olivia, Bern’s Steak House

BEST SOUTHERN COOKING

SOUTHERN FRESH

Finalists: Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe, Fred’s Market Restaurant

BEST SPLURGE RESTAURANT

BERN’S STEAK HOUSE

Finalists: Charley’s Steak House, The Black Pearl

BEST ST. PETE RESTAURANT

NOBLE CRUST

Finalists: Good Intentions, The Lure

BEST STEAKHOUSE

BERN’S STEAK HOUSE

Finalists: Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Rococo Steak

BEST SUSHI RESTAURANT

PISCES SUSHI & GLOBAL BISTRO

Finalists: The Lure, Hook’s on 9th

BEST TACOS

RED MESA CANTINA

Finalists: Taco Bus, Tacos las Californias

BEST TAMPA HEIGHTS

RESTAURANT

OAK & OLA

Finalists: Rocca, Ulele

BEST TAMPA RESTAURANT

ROCCA

Finalists: Bella’s Italian Cafe, Ponte Modern American

BEST TAPAS/SMALL PLATES

CARACARA

Finalists: Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant, Linger Restaurant

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

LEMON GRASS THAI KITCHEN

Finalists: Siam Garden Thai Restaurant, Thai Sweet Basil

BEST VEGAN RESTAURANT

GOOD INTENTIONS

Finalists: Golden Dinosaurs, The Green Table

BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

LA V VIETNAMESE FUSION

Finalists: Phở Quyên Vietnamese Cuisine, Bamboozle

BEST WAITSTAFF

BERN’S STEAK HOUSE

Finalists: Gigglewaters, Good Intentions

BEST WATERFRONT DINING

FRESCO’S WATERFRONT BISTRO

Finalists: Buoy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill, Oystercatchers

BEST WESLEY CHAPEL RESTAURANT

THE LIVING ROOM @ WIREGRASS

Finalists: Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Ford’s Garage Wesley Chapel

BEST WINE BAR

CELLARMASTERS WINE BAR AND BOTTLE SHOP

Finalists: Sips Wine Bar, La Sétima Club

BEST WINGS

UBUNTU FOOD TRUCK

Finalists: Hat Tricks Sports Bar and Restaurant, Mullets Fish Camp

BEST YBOR CITY RESTAURANT

COLUMBIA RESTAURANT

Finalists: La Sétima Club, TBBC

DRINK

BEST BAR

THE SAINT

Finalists: Cocktail St Pete, Sonder Social Club

BEST BAR CRAWL

DUNEDIN BREWER’S CRAWL

Finalists: Jolly Trolley Brewery Tour, Christy’s Thirsty Beer Rides

BEST BARISTA

LUIS ESPEL (WILLA’S)

Finalists: Katie Senkovich (Kahwa), Dominic Howarth (Mazarro’s)

BEST BARTENDER

JACQUI BOUTHOT

Finalists: Steve Brown, Kayli Redburn

BEST BEACH BAR

CADDY’S TREASURE ISLAND

Finalists: Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, Salt Shack On The Bay

BEST WATERFRONT DINING

FRESCO'S WATERFRONT BISTRO

BEST BEER SELECTION

3 DAUGHTERS BREWING

Finalists: World of Beer (WOB Bar & Kitchen), Florida Avenue Brewing Co.

BEST BREWER

ROBERT ‘BIG BOB’ KIRBY

SOUTHERN LIGHTS BREWING

Finalists: David C. Dally at Caledonia Brewing, Rick Sommer at Dented Keg Ale Works

BEST BREWERY, HILLSBOROUGH

TBBC

Finalists: Coppertail, Magnanimous Brewing

BEST BREWERY, PASCO

BIG STORM BREWING CO. - ODESSA

Finalists: Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Escape Brewing

BEST BREWERY, PINELLAS

3 DAUGHTERS BREWING

Finalists: 7venth Sun Brewing Company, Green Bench Brewing Company

BEST BRUNCH FOR BOOZING

THE LIVING ROOM ON MAIN

Finalists: Noble Crust, Red Mesa Cantina

BEST COCKTAILS

SONDER SOCIAL CLUB

Finalists: Mandarin Hide, The Saint

BEST COFFEE

KAHWA COFFEE

Finalists: Buddy Brew, Bandit

FRESCOS

continued from page 153

BEST COFFEE ROASTER

MAZZARO’S ITALIAN MARKET

Finalists: Kahwa Coffee, Buddy Brew

BEST COFFEE SHOP

KAHWA COFFEE

Finalists: The Blend (Central Ave) Coffee and Cocktails, Bandit

BEST CRAFT BEER EVENT

OKTOBERFEST

Finalists: Bolts Brew Fest, Dunedin Brewery Spring beer jam

BEST DISTILLERY

ST. PETE DISTILLERY

Finalists: Tarpon Springs Distillery, The Urban Stillhouse

BEST DIVE BAR

BAUSER’S

Finalists: The Hub, Mahuffer’s

BEST DOG-FRIENDLY BAR

THE DOG BAR

Finalists: Bauser’s, Pinellas Ale Works Brewery

BEST HAPPY HOUR

WALK-ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUXTAMPA (MIDTOWN)

Finalists: Cocktail St. Pete, The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar

BEST HOTEL BAR

HOLLANDER HOTEL ST. PETERSBURG

Finalists: The Fenway, Dunedin; Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection

BEST JUICE

SOHO JUICE CO

Finalists: Squeeze Juice Works, Escape Root Juicery

BEST KAVA BAR

MAD HATTERS KAVA BAR

Finalists: Speakeasy Kava, Grassroots Kava House

BEST KOMBUCHA

MOTHER KOMBUCHA

Finalists: Beech Kombucha, SpookEasy Lounge

BEST LGBTQ BAR

COCKTAIL ST PETE

Finalists: Blur Nightclub, Enigma

BEST LIQUOR STORE

LUEKENS WINE & SPIRITS

Finalists: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Liquor Depot

BEST LOCALLY-MADE BEER

3 DAUGHTERS BREWING

Finalists: TBBC, Green Bench Brewing Company

BEST LOCALLY-MADE LIQUOR

TARPON SPRINGS DISTILLERY

Finalists: Saint Petersburg Distillery, Cotherman Distilling Co.

BEST MARGARITA

RED MESA CANTINA

Finalists: Casa Tina, VIP Mexican American Cuisine T.I.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR, HILLSBOROUGH

SKIPPER’S SMOKEHOUSE

Finalists: The Independent, The Hub Bar

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR, PASCO

DENTED KEG ALE WORKS

Finalists: Florida Avenue Brewing, Ukulele Brands Land O Lakes

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR, PINELLAS

GIGGLEWATERS

Finalists: Flanagan’s Irish Pub, Cocktail St Pete

BEST NON-ALCOHOLIC COCKTAILS

GOOD INTENTIONS

Finalists: The Saint, Herban Flow

BEST POOLSIDE BAR

HOLLANDER HOTEL ST. PETERSBURG

Finalists: Postcard Inn On The Beach, Sandpearl Resort

BEST SANGRIA

RED MESA

Finalists: Ceviche, BellaBrava

BEST SOMMELIER

SOPHIE MOSS OF BOULON BRASSERIE

Finalists: Jayme Kosar of Society Wine Bar, Courtney Youngblood at Bern’s Steak House

BEST SPORTS BAR

FERG’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL

Finalists: Hattricks, Eddie’s Bar & Grill

BEST TEA SHOP

THE SPICE & TEA EXCHANGE OF DUNEDIN

Finalists: Blush Tea and Coffee St Pete, Tebella Tea Company

BEST TEQUILA BAR

RED MESA CANTINA

Finalists: Gigglewaters, Casa Tina Mexican

BEST WHISKEY BAR

GIGGLEWATERS

Finalists: Haven, Whiskey Exchange

PEOPLE

BEST ACTIVIST

AJA NIKIYA ESTRO

Finalists: Michelle Williams, Nadine Smith Equality Florida

BEST BLOGGER

ANGIE SOUL

Finalists: That’s So Tampa, Alyssa Young

BEST CEO

RACHEL WILSON, GIGGLEWATERS

Finalists: Jack Kemp, Stella Myers CEO of Curv Exchange and Stellie Bellies

BEST COLUMNIST

STEPHANIE HAYES AT TAMPA BAY TIMES

Finalists: Carter Brantley at Bucs Report, John Romano at Tampa Bay Times

BEST COSPLAYER

TOM BASSANO, SAFETY HARBOR GRINCH

Finalists: TJ McDonnell, Jack Rozsa

BEST COUPLE

TOM & CINDY BASSANO

Finalists: Nelson & Heather Cacciatore, Bill McArdle & Patty Zollo

BEST GRAPHIC DESIGNER

SHEILA BURNS CREATIVE

Finalists: Marie-Antoinette 929, Laura SayeghLaura’s Design Studio

BEST INFLUENCER

KENT RODAHAVER

Finalists: Jordan Denise Williams, Lauren West Roberts

BEST MAYOR

MAYOR JANE CASTOR

Finalists: Mayor Ken Welch, Joe Ayoub

BEST MOVER & SHAKER

JEFF VINIK

Finalists: Jeff Gigante, Kent Rodahaver

BEST NETWORKER

LAURIE STOGNIEW-BAYSHORE

MARKETING GROUP

Finalists: Mark O’Donnell, Sandra Bean

BEST NEWSPAPER THAT’S NOT CREATIVE LOAFING

TAMPA BAY TIMES

Finalists: La Gaceta Newspaper, Watermark

BEST PERSONALITY TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

SPRINKLES THE WEENIE

Finalists: TampaFoodMom, Jack Rozsa

BEST PERSONALITY TO FOLLOW ON TIKTOK

OMGITSWICKS

Finalists: Kat Stickler, Jack Rozsa

BEST PERSONALITY TO FOLLOW ON TWITTER DENIS PHILLIPS (@DENISPHILLIPSWX)

Finalists: Paul Dellegatto (@PaulFox13), Jack Rozsa (@escapethevault)

BEST PHILANTHROPIST

TITUS O’NEIL

Finalists: Jeff Vinik, Julie Weintraub

BEST POLITICIAN

JANE CASTOR

Finalists: Lynn Hurtak, Ken Welch

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY

SCOTT TAVLIN

Finalists: Drew Garabo, Orlando Davis - Wild 941

BEST RADIO STATION

102.5 THE BONE

Finalists: 88.5. WMNF-Tampa, Wild 94.1

BEST SPORTS COACH

JON COOPER

Finalists: Kevin Cash, Todd Bowles

BEST SPORTSWRITER

JOHN ROMANO OF TAMPA BAY TIMES

Finalists: Marc Topkin of Tampa Bay Times, J.T Olson at Bucs Report

BEST STRIPPER

DEMI AT OZ

Finalists: Sheba Queen of the Night, Peaches

BEST TV HOST/NEWSPERSON

DENIS PHILLIPS

Finalists: Charley Belcher, Mahsa Saeidi

continued from page 154

PLACES

BEST BEACH TOWN

DUNEDIN

Finalists: Pass-a-Grille Beach, Indian Rocks Beach

BEST BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS

TAMPA WING CHUN KUNG FU

Finalists: 7th + Grove, Booze and Bubbles

BEST CITY

ST. PETE

Finalists: Dunedin, Tampa

BEST COLLEGE HANGOUT

MACDINTON’S IRISH PUB

Finalists: Postcard Inn, Peabody’s

BEST COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Finalists: UF, University of Tampa

BEST COMMUNITY CENTER

DUNEDIN COMMUNITY CENTER

Finalists: Safety Harbor Arts & Music Center, Metro Inclusive Health

BEST COMMUNITY GARDEN

FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS

Finalists: Homeless Empowerment Program, Metro Inclusive Health - St. Petersburg

BEST COUNTY

PINELLAS

Finalists: Hillsborough, Pasco

BEST DOG PARK

FORT DE SOTO DOG PARK / BEACH

Finalists: Honeymoon Island, Vinoy Park

BEST ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION

TAMPA BAY WATCH

Finalists: Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful

BEST FARM

OLD MCMICKY’S FARM

Finalists: First Ladies Farm & Sanctuary, Tree House Farm

BEST FARMERS MARKET

SATURDAY MORNING MARKET

Finalists: First Ladies Farm and Sanctuary, Dunedin Downtown Market

BEST FLORIDA COLLEGE TEAM

UF GATORS

Finalists: USF Bulls, FSU Seminoles

BEST LATINX-OWNED BUSINESS

CASA TINA MEXICAN

Finalists: AnimalLuvr’s Dream Rescue, Inc., T Clinics USA of Tampa

BEST LGBTQ ORGANIZATION

ST PETE PRIDE

Finalists: Metro Inclusive Health, Equality Florida

BEST LGBTQ-OWNED BUSINESS

COCKTAIL ST PETE

Finalists: First Ladies Farm and Sanctuary, Bradley’s on 7th

BEST NATURE TRAIL

HONEYMOON ISLAND

Finalists: Pinellas Trail, Lettuce Lake Park

BEST NONPROFIT

FIRST LADIES FARM AND SANC-

TUARY

Finalists: Metro Inclusive Health, Compassion Kind Foundation

BEST PLACE FOR A WEDDING

SUNKEN GARDENS

Finalists: The Don CeSar, The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection

BEST PLACE TO ADOPT A PET

SUNCOAST ANIMAL LEAGUE

Finalists: Humane Society of Tampa Bay, First Ladies Farm and Sanctuary

BEST PLACE TO GET THE PERFECT

INSTAGRAM PHOTO

ST. PETE PIER

Finalists: First Ladies Farm and Sanctuary, Passa-Grille Beach

BEST PLACE TO VOLUNTEER

FIRST LADIES FARM AND SANC-

TUARY

Finalists: Rescue Pets of Florida, Compassion Kind Foundation

BEST PLANT SHOP

WHITEWOOD ON MAIN

Finalists: Wilcox Nursery, Lida’s Jungle

BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE

DUNEDIN GOLF CLUB

Finalists: Mangrove Bay and Cypress Links Golf Courses, Babe Zaharias

BEST PUBLIC PARK FORT DESOTO

Finalists: Philippe Park, Vinoy Park

BEST VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS

PAWS PARADISE FUR LIFE

Finalists: Mission BBQ, Florida Man Hot Sauce

BEST WALKING TOUR

RIVERWALK TAMPA PUBLIC WALKING TOUR

Finalists: St Pete Mural Tour, Ybor City Ghost Tour

BEST WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS

FIRST LADIES FARM AND SANCTUARY

Finalists: Runaways Animal Rescue, Valhalla Bakery St Pete

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

BEST ACUPUNCTURIST

DR. BRIAN CASWELL ACUPUNCTURE PHYSICIAN

Finalists: Ashley Heintz Acupuncture, Dr. Mara Kevan

BEST BARRE STUDIO

PURE BARRE - NEW TAMPA & WESTCHASE

Finalists: The Bar Method, Freebird Fitness

BEST CBD SHOP

BLISS WELLNESS

Finalists: Smokey Jones Smoke & Vape Shop, Your CBD Store

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

DR. MOSES BERNARD

Finalists: Dr. Cameron Banks, Christine Britt

BEST COSMETIC SURGEON

DR. JOSEPH CASTELLANO

Finalists: Watts Plastic Surgery & MediSpa,Dallas Buchanan - MD

BEST DISPENSARY TRULIEVE

Finalists: Siesta G Dispensary, MUV

BEST DOCTOR FOR A

NIP AND TUCK

DR JOSEPH CASTELLANO

Finalists: Watt Plastic Surgery, Gayoso Plastic Surgery: Gayoso Antonio MD Frank Beninger MD Jessica McCarry PA-C Annie Smalley FNP

BEST GROUP FITNESS

THE BAR METHOD TAMPAWESTSHORE

Finalists: SPENGA Seminole, CAMP Tampa

BEST GYM

SPENGA SEMINOLE

Finalists: Burn Boot Camp, CAMP Tampa

BEST HAIR SALON

WHOLE AVEDA SALON SPA

OLDSMAR

Finalists: Tribeca Salon, Salon Eunoia

BEST HAIR STYLIST

TRISTAN FOX

Finalists: Alexea Burrell, Victoria Michael

BEST HOSPITAL

TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL

Finalists:Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital

BEST LASH AND/OR BROW

SALON

WHOLE AVEDA SALON SPA

OLDSMAR

Finalists: Lash Addict Studio Seminole, Stephlassh

BEST MAKEUP ARTIST

SARDIS CECE NUNEZ

Finalists: XIOMYSLAYS, Allie Nicas

BEST MANI/PEDI

HEAVENLY NAILS

Finalists: Fancy nails, AVEDA Salon Norrell | Hyde Park Village

BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST

CARISSA ALES OF CLARITY CONNECTION

Finalists: Elena Vans Evers at Urban Zen Bodywork, Andrew Jemmott of Pressure Perfect Massage

BEST MED SPA

CASTELLANO COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER

Finalists: AR Aesthetics, Perfectly Bare Laser

BEST MEDICAL MARIJUANA

PHYSICIAN OR CLINIC

LIBERATE PHYSICIAN CENTERS

TAMPA BAY

Finalists: Trichome Health Center, Dr Hashim The Herbal MD

BEST NAIL ARTIST

DEVIN STREBLER

Finalists: Nails by Nhi, Nia the Nail Fairy

BEST NUTRITIONIST

LARISSA REYNOLDS

Finalists: The Educated Dieter William Grazione, Jennifer Gilman - New Way Health Coach

continued from page 157

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

CARRIE KUKUDA

Finalists: Cameron Drake, Matt Bode

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST

DR. JENNIFER HAUSKEY

Finalists: Dr. Ken Clark DPT, Brock Labelle

BEST PLACE TO SHOP

GREEN

ROLLIN’ OATS MARKET

Finalists: Nature’s Food Patch Market & Café, Abby’s Health & Nutrition

BEST SKINCARE SPECIALIST

CASTELLANO COSMETIC SURGERY

Finalists: Karoline Bonita Skin, Organic Skincare By Leia

BEST SPA

SAFETY HARBOR

RESORT AND SPA

Finalists: Safety Harbor Therapeutic Massage Center, The Blush Bar Tampa

BEST SPIN STUDIO

SPENGA

Finalists: CAMP Tampa, Ride On

BEST TANNING SERVICE

RAYZ TANNING SALON

Finalists: You Glow Spray Tan, AVEDA Salon

Norrell - Carrollwood

BEST WAXING SALON

THE BLUSH BAR TAMPA

Finalists: European Wax Center, The Allure Spot

BEST WELLNESS CENTER

DR. BRIAN CASWELL

ACUPUNCTURE PHYSICIAN AT DR. B’S WELLNESS CLINIC

Finalists: St Pete Wellness & MedSpa, BioDesign Wellness Center

BEST YOGA STUDIO

YOGA LOFT TAMPA

Finalists: Lotus Pond Center for Yoga and Health, The Body Electric Yoga Company

GOODS

BEST ANTIQUE SHOP

VINTAGE POST MARKETPLACE

Finalists: Vintage Marche,Retro Mania Vintage Market

BEST ART SUPPLY STORE

BOTTOM OF THE BIN

Finalists: Creative Clay, Highwater Clays of Florida

BEST BIKE MECHANIC

SECOND CHANCE RIDES

Finalists: Saint Pete Bike Co-op, Tonys Bike Shop

BEST BIKE SHOP CITY BIKE

Finalists: Saint Petersburg Bicycle Cooperative, Tonys Bike Shop

BEST BOOKSTORE

TOMBOLO BOOKS

Finalists: Book Rescuers, Book + Bottle

BEST BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

BEARER OF THE BLING BRIDAL

Finalists:The Dressing Room St. Pete, Royal Bridal

BEST CAR DETAILER

AJ DETAILING - ANTHONY

Finalists: Good Carma, Exceptional Detailing Inc

BEST CIGAR SHOP

ESTATE CIGARS & SOCIAL

Finalists: King Corona, Davidoff of Geneva USA Inc Corporate Headquarters

BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE (MEN)

ATLAS BODY + HOME

Finalists: Backwater Provisions Co., Ravens and Rockers

BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE (WOMEN)

SEERSUCKER SASSY BOUTIQUE

Finalists: La France, CURV EXCHANGE Plus Size Resale Boutique

BEST COMIC BOOK SHOP

NERD OUT COMICS

Finalists: Ybor City Comics, South Tampa Comics

BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP

LABELSWAP

Finalists: CURV EXCHANGE Plus Size Resale Boutique, Revolve Clothing Exchange

BEST FLORIST

FLOWERS N BASKETS

Finalists: Mona’s Floral Creations, Gemma Floral Boutique

BEST FURNITURE STORE (NEW OR USED)

COASTAL FINE FURNITURE

Finalists: Dwell Home Market, One Amazing Find

BEST HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY

FLORIDA CRAFTART

Finalists: Jessica Santander Designs, Adorna Vida Creations

BEST HANDYMAN

HANDY ANDY (ANDY HUDGINS)

Finalists: HandyDude Rob, Danish Master Carpentry

BEST HOME DECOR

ZAZOO’D

Finalists: Abstractartcanvas, Vintage Marche

BEST JUKEBOX (NON TOUCH-TUNES)

THE HUB

BEST MAKERS FESTIVAL LOCALTOPIA

Finalists: Blue Raven Full Moon Market, Dunedin Downtown Market

BEST MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR/THERAPIST

ALEXIS LYNCH

Finalists: Rachel M Rodriguez, LMHC, Cheryl Mitchell Hypnotherapist

BEST OBGYN

DR. KIMBERLY BISS

Finalists: Lynn DeVires (Tampa Womens Care), Pamela D. Twitty, MD

BEST PAINTING COMPANY

DON ALBRO PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING

Finalists: Old Crow Painting, Above the Rest Painters

BEST PEST CONTROL

NATURAL BORN KILLERS

Finalists: QuikPro environmental services, Assured Green

BEST PET BOUTIQUE HEALTH MUTT

Finalists: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Clearwater, St PetersBARK Natural Pet Market MLK

BEST PIERCER (NON-TATTOO ARTIST)

MATTHEW AT BLOOM BODY ART

Finalists: TJ Peets, Kai Stephenson-Lombardi (Atomic Tattoos)

BEST PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCH

DOWNTOWN TAMPA’S

JOHN F. GERMANY

Finalists: Largo Public Library, Palm Harbor Library

BEST RECORD STORE

DADDY KOOL RECORDS

Finalists: Bananas Records, Steelworker Records

BEST SEX SHOP

TODD’S COUPLES SUPERSTORE

Finalists: Frisky Business, Jack and Jill Adult Superstore

BEST SKATE SHOP

SKATEPARK OF TAMPA

Finalists: Astro Skate of Pinellas Park, Anchor Skate Supply

BEST SMOKE SHOP

SMOKEY JONES SMOKE & VAPE SHOP

Finalists: The Logical Hippie, Tubular Tokes

BEST STARTUP

HERBAN FLOW

Finalists: Hang Ten Creative Agency, Brownie’s Botanicals

BEST STORE STAFF

ROLLIN’ OATS MARKET

Finalists: Smokey Jones Smoke & Vape Shop, Herban Flow

BEST SUPERMARKET

ROLLIN’ OATS MARKET

Finalists: Mazzaro’s Italian Market, Nature’s Food Patch Market & Café

BEST SURF SHOP

SUNCOAST SURF SHOP

Finalists: Surf + Coffee | Coffee St. Pete Beach, Sand Surf Co.

BEST T-SHIRT COMPANY

SUNSHINE STATE GOODS & APPAREL

Finalists: Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More, 5801 Print House

BEST THRIFT SHOP

SUNSHINE THRIFT STORE

Finalists: The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center, HEP Thrift Store

BEST VAPE SHOP

SMOKEY JONES

SMOKE & VAPE SHOP

Finalists: Strange Cloudz Vape And Smoke Shop, Moon Mountain

BEST VINTAGE MARKET

VINTAGE POST MARKETPLACE

Finalists: Vintage Marche’, ARTpool GalleryVintage Clothing Boutique & Vinyl Record Store

continued from page 158

SERVICES

BEST A/C REPAIR COMPANY

JENERGY AIR SERVICES

Finalists: Velocity Air Conditioning - Tampa Bays AC Experts, Integrity Home Solutions

BEST ARCHITECT

JVB ARCHITECT

Finalists: Kelsi Thrasher, David Del Tosto

BEST ATTORNEY

LINDSEY SHEPPY

Finalists: Lee Pearlman, Jim Jenkins

BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP

WRENCH MASTERS LLC

Finalists: Jim’s Auto Body, JB Import Automotive Repair

BEST BANK

SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION

Finalists: Bank of Tampa, Flagship Bank

BEST BARBER

DAVID NGUYEN

@ASIANBOYSTUNNA

Finalists: Cameron Feldman Hair, Moses Chacon

BEST BARBERSHOP

BARLEY AND MANE BARBER SPA

Finalists: New Generation Barbershop, Central Oak Barber Co.

BEST BOAT CHARTER

Coming In Hot Boating Experiences

FINALISTS: A BOAT DAY, SALT AND MIST SEA TOURS

BEST CATERER

MAZZARO’S ITALIAN MARKET

Finalists: The Stuffed Mushroom, Puff ‘n Stuff Catering

BEST COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICE

VETERANS WITH VACUUMS

CLEANING SERVICES

Finalists: Ada McFarley - Never Late Cleaning, Service Hot Mammas,LLC

BEST CPA/TAX PREPARER

ANTHONY PHILLIPS CBIZ

Finalists: Snyder, Snyder, & Kessenich CPA Firm LLP, Kristina Helferty CPA

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

WHITE DUCK ESPRESSO

Finalists: EPIC Services, Daddy Kool Records

BEST DENTIST

DR JOANNA MAGAZINE

- GREAT EXPRESSIONS

Finalists: Smile Craft-Dr. Kasey, Dr. Christopher M. Bulnes, DMD

BEST DOG GROOMER / PET

STYLIST

PAWS ‘N’ REC

Finalists: Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming St Petersburg, Bark Life St Pete

BEST DOG TRAINING

ERNIE WEBB

Finalists: Sit Means Sit Dog Training, Everyday K9 Training

BEST DOGGY DAY CARE

SIT MEANS SIT DOG TRAINING

Finalists: Paws ‘n’ Rec, Your Puppy My Pad

BEST DRONE OPERATOR

(INDEPENDENT)

LIGHTLINE PRODUCTIONS

Finalists: Nicole Abbett, Jake Coughlin

BEST DRY CLEANER

MCNATT’S DRY CLEANERS

Finalists: Sacino’s Cleaners, Dunedin’s Dry Cleaner

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR

PRISCILLA NUNEZ

Finalists: Mark Vernick, Vernick Financial, Deidre Fernald

BEST FITNESS STUDIO

GET A GRIP TOTAL BODY FITNESS

Finalists: Spenga, CAMP Tampa

BEST FREE CLINIC

ST. PETE FREE CLINIC

Finalists: Clearwater Free Clinic, EPIC Sexual Health Center Tampa

BEST GENERAL CONTRACTOR

FERRILL CONSTRUCTION

Finalists: Suncoast Custom Builders, Avery Construction and Design

BEST HOTEL

THE DON CESAR

Finalists: The Tampa EDITION, The Vinoy®

Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club

BEST INSURANCE AGENCY

GULF WATER TITLE

Finalists: Brightway Insurance, The Wilson Agency; Italiano Insurance

BEST INSURANCE AGENT

SHERRI MATHENEY

Finalists: Isaac Stuiso State Farm Agent, Wes Bryan

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER

DAVID FISHER OF ZAZOO’D

Finalists: Debra Ackerbloom Interiors, Sarit Marcus

BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN

COMPANY

CAMPUS LANDSCAPE

Finalists: Never Look Back Lawn Service, Southern Landscape Solutions

BEST LAW FIRM

LIGORI & LIGORI, ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Finalists: Ingram Injury Law, Hernandez Family Law & Mediation

BEST MARKETING AGENCY

BAYSHORE MARKETING GROUP

Finalists: Social Media Marketing by Christy Maldonado, Hang Ten Creative Agency

BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO

TAMPA WING CHUN KUNG FU

Finalists: Gracie Tampa South MMA And BJJ, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Largo

BEST MOVING COMPANY

BIG MAN’S MOVING COMPANY

Finalists: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, Big Boys Moving & Storage of Tampa Bay

BEST NANNY SERVICE

SOHO SITTERS

Finalists: Nannies Who Care, Camp Doublemint

BEST NEW BUSINESS

HERBAN FLOW

Finalists: Star Trolley, The Salt Room and Sauna

BEST PARTY PLANNING SERVICE

THE PICNIC BOYS

Finalists: An ABC Event, Dreams 2 Reality Design

BEST PARTY RENTAL SERVICE

THE MOODY GROOVY

Finalists: The Picnic Boys, A Funny Business LLC

BEST PET SITTING

CALLING ALL DOGS AND CATS

Finalists: Paws ‘n’ Rec, SoHo Sitters

BEST PHOTO BOOTH

AD 360 PRODUCTIONS

Finalists: Event Photobooth Co., Fishy Face Photography

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC

PURPOSE PHYSICAL THERAPY

Finalists: Florida Orthopaedic Institute, Beach Baby Pediatric Therapy

BEST PLUMBING COMPANY

PLUMBING BY PAUL

Finalists: Integrity Home Solutions, Tampa Bay Plumbing

BEST PROFESSIONAL HOME ORGANIZER

SUNCOAST ORGANIZING SOLUTIONS

Finalists: Organized By Barb, The Global Organizer

BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY

NEXTHOME SOUTH POINTE

Finalists: 54 Realty, Keller Williams

BEST REALTOR

KENT RODAHAVER

Finalists: Jennifer Dobbs, Khristian Marcotrigiano

BEST RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SERVICE

MAID TO ORDER

Finalists: Shack Shine, Joy of Cleaning

BEST ROOFING COMPANY

MITCHELL ROOFING ST PETE- FL

Finalists: Arry’s Roofing, HD Roofing and Solar

BEST SOLAR COMPANY

SUNFORGE ENERGY

Finalists: HD Roofing and Solar, Solar Bear

BEST TAROT READER

JOE MUHRLIN - THE MISFIT LION TAROT

Finalists: The Unburnable Witch, The Wondering Fool - Colby Chance

BEST TATTOO STUDIO

DOOM CLUB TATTOO COLLECTIVE

Finalists: Dark Mark Ink, Poison Ivy Ink

BEST VETERINARIAN

HARMONY VET CARE OF BRANDON

Finalists: SPCA Tampa Bay Veterinary Center, Plummer Pet Hospital

BEST VIDEOGRAPHER

ROBERTO RIVERA ANIMUS VISUAL

Finalists: Sunny Collabs, Ryan McGibbeny

BEST WEDDING PLANNING COMPANY

WILDER MIND EVENTS

Finalists: Confetti Events, Tide The Knot Beach Weddings

a.

c.

Didn’t happen

By Dan Savage

I used to loudly proclaim that all this crap about Black men being better in bed was pure bullshit. My ego said it was a bunch of propaganda. The thought of me being a cuckold was never going to happen. Then my wife’s workplace hired a Black man, and he was among several of her coworkers that went for drinks after work one Friday evening. I never knew that my wife harbored a desire to see for herself if everything people said about Black men was true. She went with him & had sex. It was her most exciting and rewarding sex of her life. He really did her like no one had ever done her before. It was obvious to me that something had changed. Once we finally got it out in the open, I was angry, frustrated, humiliated, and embarrassed. It took me weeks to get over it and to accept that my wife needed this Black man in her life and bed. No way was I going to divorce her because then I would have to explain the reason why our 15-year marriage was ending. So, now I have no option but to admit I am a cuckold. My question is: Is this normal and common?—Cuckolding Has Upended Marital Parameters

So, nice letter CHUMP, total bullshit, hope you enjoyed the wank. Now, I’d like to zoom out for a second...

There are lots of straight white men out there with cuckold fantasies that include problematic racialized elements, like CHUMP’s here. (Interestingly, gay men with cuckold fantasies are a lot less likely to care about the race of their husband’s other sex partners, according to the National Library of Medicine. I’m sure a lot of my Black readers were offended by CHUMP’s letter and a lot of my white readers were offended on behalf of my Black readers.

SAVAGE LOVE

(Bracing myself for the outraged emails.) But I have to say… there are Black men out there who enjoy being fetishized by white male cucks because it turns them on, too. And if you don’t believe me when I say there Black men who 1. enjoy fucking the wives of white cuckolds and 2. either don’t mind being objectified in this way or really and truly get off on it, well, maybe you’ll believe the “Keys and Anklets” podcasters and porn stars like @ShadowDimitri1 and @PaganBlackBull (find them on Twitter).

hire a professional mommy domme to live out my ABDL fantasies for the first time. You can’t believe my surprise when I discovered that one of the local dommes is my former high school girlfriend. We were together for a little less than a year in the state where we grew up together before we parted ways to go to college. We haven’t kept up with each other since. Dan, she’s super hot and does ABDL sessions, and I can’t think of anybody who I would trust more for my first time visiting a sex worker. I also worry that she would find it super fucking weird to get a session request from an ex-boyfriend from high school. Should I contact her? Or should I look somewhere else and let her do her thing in peace?—Anxiously Babbling Divorced Lad

I ran your question by Mistress Matisse, a sex worker with decades of experience, a tireless advocate for the rights of sex workers, and a friend of mine for more decades than I feel comfortable assigning a number to.

before we were married. Now he says he wants to stay private. But with genetic testing, he might be discoverable regardless. I am also concerned about my privacy. Sometimes these kids reach out because they’re lost or want to know their health history or want a relationship or even money. All of it is so complex and complicated, and it has been really hard for me to accept. I also feel like if we did end up having children, my child would be less special. I feel a lot of grief over a decision he made that so profoundly affects my life. This is the best relationship I’ve ever been in, but I don’t know if I should end it because of his past. He says he regrets doing this, and it’s not something he would do again now, but it’s something he can never take back. He can’t even get the bank to stop using his sperm. I don’t know anyone else in this situation. What should I do?—Debate

Over Nixing Otherwise Reliable Suitor

It’s not normal, it’s not common—and it didn’t happen. Oh, you might be a cuckold, CHUMP, and you might have a wife and your wife might have a lover who might be a Black man that she met at work. But if you’re lucky enough to be living the version of the cuckold dream that appeals to you most—cuckolding with a racial overlay—it didn’t come together the way you described.

Lots of wannabe cucks fantasize about their wives turning them into cuckolds against their will, e.g., the husband gets presented with a fait accompli—the wife has taken a lover and won’t give him up, she has the upper hand and divorce isn’t an option, the husband has no choice but to accept his fate—but no man has ever become a cuckold like that. That may be it happens most often in a cuckold’s fantasies, CHUMP, but in reality, men who are living out their cuckold dreams had to beg their wives to fuck other men, sometimes for years.

A wife turning her husband into a cuckold because it’s what she wants? Maybe that’s happened once or twice, but otherwise that only happens in porn and in letters horny wannabe cucks send to advice columnists while they’re beating off. So, when a married woman is fucking a neighbor or a coworker or her husband’s best friend or all the above with the consent of a husband who has embraced being a cuckold… yeah, his consent wasn’t reluctantly given; it wasn’t extracted under duress, it wasn’t an offer he couldn’t refuse, and it wasn’t her idea. It was his idea. A wannabe cuckold’s wife may have warmed to the idea over time—she might’ve come to love it and can’t imagine going back—but it was his fantasy, not hers.

And with that said… There’s something about CHUMP’s fantasy that strikes me as… well, a lot more fucked up than most cuck fantasies with racialized elements. He’s not just aroused by stereotypes about Black male sexuality—power, size, prowess—that some Black men also find arousing and enjoy exploring with white couples who see them not just as objects, but also as threedimensional human beings with needs, feeling, fantasies, and their own inner lives. No, CHUMP is turned on by the idea of being trapped (common cuck fantasy) in his marriage because the whole world would know his wife was fucking a Black man if he left her—because where he lives men who divorce their wives are required to post their real reasons on at least three billboards outside of town—and it would be so obviously humiliating (according to CHUMP) if people knew that he has no choice by to stay. CHUMP doesn’t present this piece as something fucked up about his fantasy that he enjoys toying with but obviously isn’t how he really feels, but as the real reason he can never leave his wife. Blech.

If I were a Black man, I wouldn’t fuck CHUMP’s wife (assuming she exists) if that was how he truly felt about Black men fucking his wife. But I’m not a Black man—or a straight man—and Black men are allowed to make their own choices about whose wives they wanna fuck.

I’m a 34-year-old cis bi guy who recently moved to Colorado after getting out of a rocky, dead-bedroom marriage of nine years. As part of this big life transition, I decided to work up the courage to

“It’s been over 10 years since they graduated, everyone is a grown up now,” said Mistress Matisse. “Obviously, he needs to be honest and say, ‘I feel like this could be a great and safe experience for us both. But if you feel like this is too weird, I understand and I won’t contact you again. I also won’t tell any possible mutual acquaintances about your career, which I have the utmost respect for.’ And he should abide by her decision and stick to those promises.”

Your ex most likely knows other sex workers in your area who provide the similar services—there’s a lot of solidarity among sex workers—so, even if she doesn’t feel comfortable booking a session with you herself, ABDL, she might be able to refer you to a colleague. The more consideration and tact you demonstrate when you contact your ex, the likelier she is to refer you to a trusted friend if she doesn’t feel comfortable diapering you herself. (Feel free to copy and paste Mistress Matisse’s suggested language!) Follow Mistress Matisse on Twitter and BlueSky @MistressMatisse.

I’m a 36-year-old woman and my boyfriend is a 46-year-old man. We’ve been dating exclusively for over a year, and we are planning on moving in together soon and, if all goes well, marriage. We don’t want to have children at the moment, but we might change our minds. I love him so much, but I don’t love a choice he made ten years ago to become a sperm donor. If we ever do want to have children, I don’t like the idea of my child having up to a hundred half siblings. He doesn’t actually know how many kids are out there from his sperm, but the bank said he was very popular. At first, we talked about him becoming discoverable so we could find out who is out there

Jesus Christ, marry someone else—seriously, if you when you look at this guy you don’t think, “This isn’t ideal, but I love him, and we can get through this together,” you shouldn’t marry him. To be frank, DONORS, I think you’re being ridiculous. You don’t even know if you want kids—you don’t even know if you wanna marry this man—and you’re having a full-blown existential crisis about these children you aren’t sure you want feeling less special to you… if you should decide to have them… because the man you aren’t sure you wanna marry might have a few biological kids out there already. As a person with three siblings, let me just say… kids with siblings—full or half, donor or direct deposit—aren’t any less special than kids without siblings. And if you don’t agree with that statement and/or don’t think you can get there with the help of a good therapist, DONORS, please don’t have the kids you aren’t sure you want with this man you aren’t sure you wanna marry.

People don’t go to sperm banks to down shots, DONORS, so if the bank says his sperm is popular, your boyfriend almost certainly has biological kids out there somewhere. The oldest would be less than 10, which means you have a decade to brace yourself for the inevitable letter(s) or phone call(s) or email(s). If that’s not a price of admission you’re willing to pay to be with this guy—if you can’t see yourself being a loving and supportive partner when one of his biological kids tracks him down—you shouldn’t marry this guy. Because if he’s as lovely as you say he is, DONORS, he really deserves better.

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A&E, SHE WROTE by Merl Reagle

NOTE: By its very name, the Arts & Entertainment Channel conjures up images of theater, dance, and concert halls, but from 7 a.m. to midnight every weekday— that’s a total of 17 hours—A&E broadcasts nothing but crime shows. I’m not complaining—this is exactly why I watch A&E—but for viewers expecting to find ballets instead of bullets, here’s a puzzle about what the A and the E really stand for. As a public service, of course.